Calorie restriction for optimal cardiovascular aging: the weight of evidence.

The epidemic of obesity and overweight is spreading worldwide. Excessive adiposity is associated with a myriad of adverse health outcomes, leading to increased healthcare expenditures and shortened life expectancy. In contrast to overeating, calorie restriction (CR), defined as a reduction in food intake without malnutrition, increases both mean and maximum lifespan in a variety of species by reducing the incidence of several chronic degenerative diseases, including cardiovascular disease. The constellation of health benefits brought about by CR results from biological and physiological changes affecting fundamental processes underlying aging and age-related pathologies. Despite the beneficial properties of CR, it is likely that most people will not engage in such a dietary regimen for the long-term. Supplementation with specific compounds mimicking CR may represent a more feasible means to improve health and prolong life. However, evidence on long-term effectiveness and safety of these compounds is not yet available in humans.