Aims: Our research aims to understand two key relationships: (1) the connection between the total amount of energy (calories) consumed daily and the risk of death from any cause; (2) how the length of time each day during which food is consumed (daily eating window) impacts mortality.
Scientific Rationale: Previous studies, mainly in animals, have suggested that consuming fewer calories or Time Restricted Eating (TRE) might lead to a longer life. However, these findings have not been consistently observed in humans. For instance, in some human trials like the CALERIE trial, a low-calorie diet showed benefits for heart and metabolic health but did not conclusively extend lifespan as seen in animal studies. Given the difficulty in maintaining such diets over a long time, it is challenging to study their long-term effects on human lifespan through clinical trials. Therefore, our study aims to use extensive observational data collected over many years to explore these relationships in a large group of adults.
Project Duration: Our study will analyze data previously collected from adults in the UK over a period of several years. This long-term follow-up is crucial to accurately assess the impact of daily energy intake and eating duration on longevity. We aim to spend around two years addressing the proposed aims and will publish the results in two manuscripts.
Public Health Impact: Understanding the relationship between calorie intake, eating duration, and mortality is vital for public health. Our findings could inform dietary guidelines and public health policies, potentially leading to recommendations that promote longer and healthier lives. For example, if we find that certain patterns of eating or calorie consumption are linked to a lower risk of death, these could be incorporated into dietary advice given by health professionals. On the other hand, if we find no significant relationships, this could also help refine our understanding of diet and longevity, ensuring that public health advice is based on solid evidence.
In summary, this study aims to clarify whether and how much what we eat and when we eat affects our overall lifespan. This knowledge is crucial in guiding not only individual dietary choices but also broader public health recommendations and policies.