Scientists may have found a way to extend lifespan without strict dieting; here’s what the research shows

For ages, people have looked for ways to live longer through different methods. While the idea of a magic solution remains a fantasy, scientists have found that dietary restriction can reliably extend lifespan in animals. This method triggers biological processes that slow down aging. However, sticking to a strict diet is challenging for many. The big question now is: Can we achieve the same benefits without drastically changing our eating habits? Could science create treatments that mimic the effects of calorie restriction, offering a longer and healthier life without constant hunger?

The Promise of Longevity Pills

Over the past decade, researchers have focused on molecules that replicate the biological effects of eating less. Rapamycin and metformin are two key compounds being studied. These drugs offer the potential to increase lifespan without the difficulties of strict dieting.

A recent study from the University of East Anglia compared the impact of these drugs to that of dietary restriction. The results showed that rapamycin had life-extending effects nearly as consistent as eating less, while metformin did not show the same longevity benefits.

Why Dietary Restriction Works

Dietary restriction has been a key focus in anti-aging research. Researchers discovered that lab rats on a lower-calorie diet lived longer. Since then, studies have confirmed that reducing calorie intake through portion control or intermittent fasting can extend life in various species.

However, strict dieting is difficult to maintain, and excessive restriction can be harmful. This is why scientists are eager to find alternatives that offer the same benefits with fewer drawbacks.

Rapamycin and Metformin: The Anti-Aging Candidates

Rapamycin, first found in Easter Island soil in the 1970s, is a strong immunosuppressant used to prevent organ transplant rejection. Its anti-aging effects come from its ability to inhibit a key molecular switch (mTOR) that tells cells when nutrients are abundant. By suppressing this signal, rapamycin mimics the effects of dietary deprivation at the cellular level. Combining rapamycin with trametinib has also been found to further increase the lifespan of mice.

Metformin, found in the French lilac plant, is commonly used to manage blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Like rapamycin, it targets the body's nutrient-sensing mechanisms. Its safety record and widespread use made it a promising candidate for extending life.

However, a review of 167 studies involving various animals found no consistent evidence that metformin prolonged lifespan. This suggests that it may not deliver all the benefits of dietary restriction on its own.

The Verdict: Diet, Rapamycin, and Metformin

The research compared three interventions:

• Dietary restriction (reducing intake)
• Rapamycin
• Metformin

The results were clear:

• Dietary restriction remains the most reliable way to increase lifespan.
• Rapamycin is a close second, showing promising results in various species and sexes.
• Metformin did not produce consistent benefits.

This research positions rapamycin as a leading candidate in the search for effective anti-aging treatments.

The Future of Aging Research

While aging is not a disease, it is a major risk factor for chronic diseases like cancer and dementia. Slowing down aging could lead to healthier, longer lives and lower healthcare costs, especially as global populations age. However, some studies have shown shortened lifespan with rapamycin or dietary restriction, and most research has been done on animals, not humans.

Dr. Edward Ivimey-Cook from the University of Glasgow emphasized the need for continued research into rapamycin's potential for promoting healthy aging. Dr. Sultanova supported this view, noting the potential of drug repurposing for enhancing both healthspan and lifespan. Both rapamycin and metformin are currently in human clinical trials, with results pending.