One example is intermittent fasting, in which meals are interspersed with long fasting periods. For example, you might limit eating to only eight hours per day. Studies suggest intermittent fasting may help some people to eat less and keep weight off. But De Cabo and others have been finding that it might also have benefits for your metabolism.
His work has shown that mice live longer and stay healthier when they go for long periods between meals. This was true even if they were eating the same amounts and types of foods as mice that ate whenever they wanted. Other studies have also suggested
that periods of fasting may bring benefits beyond weight loss.
Physical activity is important for combating the changes that come with aging, too.
“The key is to maintain an active lifestyle,” de Cabo says. “Try to incorporate daily walks or daily visits to the gym. If you have an office job, get a standup desk, so you spend a few hours a day standing instead of sitting. Small doses of exercise throughout the day will help tremendously.”
For more suggestions on how to fight age-related weight changes, see the Wise Choices box. (NIH)
