Could a low-calorie keto diet help reverse biological aging? — Keto Diet Expert in Marbella
22/05/2025Aging isn’t just about the number of candles on your birthday cake—it’s also happening inside your body at a molecular level. This is what researchers call epigenetic aging, and sometimes, your biological age (how your body is aging) doesn’t match your actual age.
A recent study out of Spain looked into whether a very low-calorie ketogenic diet could actually slow down or even reverse biological aging—and the results were pretty surprising. After six months on this type of diet, participants' biological age dropped by more than six years. That means their bodies were functioning as if they were much younger than when they started. But what does this mean for the average person, and is a low-calorie keto diet actually safe? Our Keto Diet Expert in Marbella breaks it down.
What Is Epigenetic Aging, and Why Does It Matter?
Your body ages because of a process called DNA methylation, which controls how your genes are expressed over time. Certain lifestyle factors—like obesity, stress, and diet—can speed up this process, making your body age faster than it should.
- If your biological age is higher than your actual age, you may be at a greater risk for chronic diseases and a shorter lifespan.
- If your biological age is lower, it could mean a healthier, longer life.
Researchers in this study wanted to see if obesity accelerates biological aging and whether a very low-calorie ketogenic diet could help slow it down.
Can a Low-Calorie Keto Diet Reverse Aging?
The study followed a group of participants over 180 days. Some had obesity, while others were at a normal weight. Those with obesity started the study with a biological age that was 4.4 years higher than their actual age, while normal-weight participants had a biological age 3.1 years lower than their real age.
But here’s where things got interesting.
After following a strict low-calorie ketogenic diet, participants with obesity experienced an average biological age reversal of 6.2 years. That means their bodies were functioning as if they were six years younger than before they started. Researchers believe this happened because ketosis—the state your body enters on a keto diet—may help slow down epigenetic aging.
Another interesting finding? Participants also showed improvements in blood sugar and insulin levels, which is important because obesity increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Is a Low-Calorie Keto Diet Safe?
While the results of this study are promising, a very low-calorie ketogenic diet isn’t for everyone. It typically involves eating under 800 calories per day, which can lead to:
- Nutrient deficiencies (if not carefully monitored)
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Fatigue, dizziness, and headaches
- Potential kidney stress
That’s why this type of diet should only be done under medical supervision. If not properly managed, it could cause more harm than good.
Keto Diet Expert in Marbella
This study suggests that biological aging isn’t set in stone—and that the right diet might help slow it down. However, jumping into a low-calorie ketogenic diet without expert guidance isn’t recommended.
At Helicopteros Sanitarios, our Keto Diet Experts in Marbella can help you determine if this type of diet is right for you. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, improve metabolic health, or just feel younger, having professional support makes all the difference.
Interested in learning more? Contact us today to see how we can help you reach your health goals safely and effectively.