For centuries, humanity has pursued the secret to a longer life through alchemy, mythology, and, more recently, science. While the philosopher’s stone remains a myth, researchers have discovered a reliable method to extend lifespan in animals: eating less. Known as dietary restriction, this practice triggers biological mechanisms that slow aging and improve longevity. However, strict dieting is difficult and unsustainable for many. The pressing question now is whether we can replicate these benefits without giving up the joy of food. Could science develop treatments that mimic the effects of calorie restriction, offering a longer, healthier life—without constant hunger?
Can a pill help you live longer without dieting? Science says maybe
In the last decade, researchers have studied molecules that imitate the biological impacts of eating less. Two of the most researched compounds are rapamycin and metformin. These compounds hold the promise of increasing lifespan without the physiological and psychological strain of constant dieting.A new study led by researchers in the School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia compared the impact of these drugs to that of dietary restriction. The findings were illuminating rapamycin showed life-extending effects nearly as consistent as eating less, while metformin did not produce the same longevity benefits.
Why eating less works so well
Dietary restriction has been the gold standard of anti-ageing research, when researchers first learned that laboratory rats fed a lower-calorie diet lived longer than their normally fed counterparts. Since then, many more have established that consuming fewer calories through portion control or intermittent fasting is able to extend life in a range of different species.Nonetheless, strict dieting is hard to keep to, and too much restriction will cause harm to one’s health. That is why scientists are keen to discover alternatives that provide the same benefits with fewer drawbacks.
How Rapamycin and Metformin became anti-aging contenders
Rapamycin, which was initially identified in Easter Island soil in the 1970s, is a potent immunosuppressant drug utilised to suppress organ transplant rejection. Its anti-aging applications result from its capacity to inhibit a primary molecular switch (mTOR) that informs cells that nutrients are abundant. By suppressing this message, rapamycin mimics the action of dietary deprivation at the cell level. Actually, a combination of rapamycin with another medication, trametinib, has been found to further prolong the lifespan of mice.Metformin is a compound found in the French lilac plant that is commonly prescribed to manage blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Like rapamycin, it targets the body’s nutrient-sensing mechanisms. With its extensive record of safety and widespread use, it’s been a potential life-extending candidate.Yet the review of 167 studies involving eight vertebrate animals—from fish to rats—found no persistent evidence that metformin prolonged lifespan. This would indicate it might not be able to deliver all the benefits of dietary restriction, at least singly.
Which works best: Eating less or taking a pill?
Three interventions in the research:
- Dietary restriction (reducing intake)
- Rapamycin
- Metformin
And the results were unequivocal:
- Dietary restriction is still the most persistent way to increase lifespan.
- Rapamycin stands close second, with promising results in several species and both sexes.
- Metformin, as it happens, failed to produce consistent benefits.
According to the research, this places rapamycin among the most exciting leads in the quest for effective anti-ageing treatments.
The future of aging is promising—but still experimental
Though aging is not a disease, it is the main risk factor for most chronic diseases, such as cancer, dementia, and cardiovascular disease. Slowing aging—albeit modestly—may result in healthier longer lives and lower healthcare expenditures, particularly as populations globally become older. All that said, some cautionary results should be noted. A few studies actually indicated shortened lifespan with rapamycin or dietary restriction. And the majority of studies have been conducted in lab animals not humans.Co-lead researcher Dr. Edward Ivimey-Cook from the University of Glasgow emphasized, “While our findings don’t advocate for widespread Rapamycin use just yet, they do reinforce the need for continued research into its potential for promoting healthy aging. This also opens up broader conversations around the development of longevity-focused treatments.”Supporting this view, Dr. Sultanova noted, “Our results highlight drug repurposing as a promising strategy for enhancing both healthspan and lifespan.” Both Rapamycin and Metformin are currently undergoing human clinical trials, with definitive results yet to be released.*Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should NOT be interpreted as medical advice. While current research on drugs like rapamycin and metformin shows potential in extending lifespan in animal models, these findings are NOT yet conclusive for humans.Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before considering any medical treatment or lifestyle change related to longevity or disease prevention.Also Read | ‘City killer’ asteroid may hit the Moon in December 2032 could threaten satellites around Earth; experts warn
