What is a calorie restricted diet?

A calorie-restricted diet is any diet where the total caloric intake (energy) of food consumed is limited. A person might practice this type of diet for a short time to lose weight.

On a calorie-restricted diet, individuals will typically consume fewer calories than they burn. This deficit is conducive to weight loss.

Dieters may also restrict their caloric intake to promote a long, healthy life or lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Recent research by the National Institute on Aging at the National Institutes of Health indicates that this common hypothesis is false. A calorie-restricted diet is not likely to extend a person's life, but the research does suggest that there may be other related health benefits from a calorie-restricted diet.