A study published in Cell Metabolism on July 8, 2026, found that a diet designed to mimic fasting cycles helped mice eat more while losing fat and improving health markers. The research, led by scientists at the University of Southern California (USC), also analyzed dietary and health data from over 200,000 people, showing that those who followed a plant-based, low-calorie diet similar to the fasting-mimicking diet had a lower risk of chronic diseases.
The study involved mice that were allowed to eat freely but on a schedule that mimicked periodic fasting. These mice consumed more food overall but lost body fat and showed improvements in metabolic health, including lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. The human data, from participants in the UK Biobank and other cohorts, indicated that adherence to a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, with limited animal protein, was associated with reduced risks of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
Dr. Valter Longo, a professor at USC and senior author of the study, said the findings suggest that the fasting-mimicking diet could be a practical approach for weight management and disease prevention. The diet involves cycles of low-calorie, plant-based eating for five days each month, followed by normal eating. Longo noted that the diet's effects on mice were consistent with the human data, supporting its potential benefits.
The research was supported by grants from the National Institute on Aging and the USC Longevity Institute. The authors emphasized that more clinical trials are needed to confirm the long-term effects in humans, but the results offer promising evidence for dietary interventions that promote healthy aging.
