Once a fringe theory, calorie restriction is now the latest front in the boomer battle for never-ending youth. Increasing numbers of people are restricting their diet to a quarter of what they theoretically need in an effort to increase lifespan. "You have to be willing to stick to it," one practitioner tells the San Francisco Chronicle.
Not up for debate is that restricted diets dramatically increase the lifespan of most animals. "It's the only thing that is known to extend the life span in warm-blooded animals," says a UC professor. The question is whether it will do the same for humans, and whether the benefit is worth the sacrifice. (More calorie restriction stories.)