Okinawa: A naturally calorie restricted population

Abstract

The people of Okinawa prefecture (southernmost island chain of Japan) are among the longest lived in the world, in terms of average life expectancy at birth, life expectancy at older ages, centenarian prevalence and other measures of longevity. In order to examine the potential contribution of caloric restriction (CR) to this longevity phenomenon, we review the medical, epidemiologic and demographic evidence for CR in this population. Energy intake and expenditure, anthropometric and physiologic measurements, as well as morbidity, mortality and lifespan were investigated. Data support a low caloric intake, short stature, life-long low BMI, low risk of mortality from age-related diseases, comparatively high plasma DHEA levels at older ages, and a shift in the survival curve consistent with extended maximum mean and maximum life span. These data lend support to a naturally occurring CR-like phenomenon in Okinawa with health and longevity-enhancing consequences similar to that seen in animal models of CR.