Question 121 of 433
What is the fasting-mimicking diet?
The short answer
A five-day, low-calorie, plant-based program developed by Dr. Valter Longo, done a few times a year. Small trials show improved risk markers. Long-term results are unknown.
For five days you eat roughly 700 to 1,100 calories, low in protein and sugar. In a 2024 analysis, three monthly cycles reduced liver fat, improved insulin resistance, and lowered a blood-test-based estimate of biological age by about two and a half years. Those are markers, measured in small groups, not proof of longer life. It is not appropriate for frail, underweight, or older adults at risk of losing muscle.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
SMALL HUMAN TRIALS — Selected adults: fasting-mimicking diet changes some biomarkers; longer life is unproven.Evidence grade (draft mapping)BLimited or small human studiesPart 9, Q121 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.