A low-calorie diet is one that keeps your daily calorie intake somewhere between 1500 and 1800 calories per day, according to The Diet Channel. A low-calorie diet and the accompanying results are different from those of a very low-calorie diet, which can often result in nutritional deficiencies among other problems. A healthy low-calorie diet may actually have a variety of beneficial effects.
Weight Loss
The fewer calories you eat, the more weight you will lose. By eating a diet that is low in calories, you will experience weight loss if you are overweight. If you are already at a healthy weight, you will be able to maintain your weight.
Reduces Your Diabetes Risk
Having extra weight on your body can increase your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, and it can make it harder to control your blood glucose levels if you already have diabetes. By consuming a low-calorie diet, you can lose weight and reap the benefits. Your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes will be reduced, and you will be better able to keep your blood glucose at a healthy level. According to the American Diabetes Association, losing 10 to 15 lbs. can help lower your blood glucose levels, which will result in less long-term damage to your body and organs.
May Help You Live Longer
Low-calorie diets have been shown to lengthen the lifespan of rodents. Also, a two-year pilot study published in the 2006 issue of the "Journal of the American Medical Association" and cited by "The New York Times" found that low-calorie diets resulted in decreased insulin levels and reductions in body temperature, which are signs of longevity. Although the full effects of a low-calorie diet on your lifespan have yet to be determined, it may help you live longer.
Lowers Your Blood Pressure
Being overweight can contribute to higher blood pressure levels. By reducing your caloric intake through a low-calorie diet, you can begin losing weight, and this weight loss will help lower your blood pressure levels.
Lowers Blood Cholesterol Levels
The weight loss that can occur as a result of a low-calorie diet can have a positive effect on your cholesterol levels. Excess weight contributes to higher cholesterol levels. According to the Mayo Clinic, even 5 to 10 lbs. of weight loss can help to decrease your blood cholesterol levels.
Reduced Risk of Joint Paint and Osteoarthritis
According to The Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center, being just 10 lbs. overweight increases that amount of pressure placed on your knees by as much as 30 to 60 percent. Also, men who are overweight are five times more likely to develop osteoarthritis in their knees, while women are four times more likely. A low-calorie diet can help you shed excess pounds, which can reduce the amount of pressure on your knees, reducing your risk of joint pain and osteoarthritis.
References
- The Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center: Osteoarthritis Weight Management
- Mayo Clinic: Top 5 Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Cholesterol
- "The New York Times" Health: Low-Calorie Diet May Lead to Longer Life
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Your Guide to Lowering Your Blood Pressure with DASH
- The Diet Channel: Low-Calorie Diet
- American Diabetes Association: Healthy Weight Loss
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