Calorie restriction (CR) had some positive effects and no negative effects on health-related quality of life (QOL) in a study of 218 participants (152 women; mean age 37.9 years; SMI 25.1) that tested the effects of CR on mood, quality of life, sleep, and sexual function in healthy, nonobese adults. Participants were randomized to 2 years of 25% CR or an ad libitum (AL) control group in a 2:1 ratio favoring CR. Researchers found:

• The CR and AL groups lost a mean (SE) of 7.6 kg and 0.4 kg, respectively, at month 24.

• Compared with the AL group, the CR group had significantly improved mood, reduced tensions, and improved general health and sexual drive and relationship at month 24 as well as improved sleep duration at month 12.

• Greater percent weight loss in the CR group at month 24 was associated with increased vigor and less mood disturbance, improved general health, and better sleep quality.

Citation: Martin CK, Bhapkar M, Pittas AG, et al. Effect of calorie restriction on mood, quality of life, sleep, and sexual function in healthy nonobese adults. The CALERIE 2 Randomized Clinical Trial. [Published online ahead of print May 2, 2016]. JAMA Intern Med. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2016.1189.Commentary: We know that weight loss in obese individuals has postive health benefits, but many people do not like the idea of dieting because of the concern that it will affect their quality of life—including general malaise, diffuse grumpyness, and poor energy. This study is remarkable in despelling these illusions, showing that in fact, calorie restriction has positive effects on quality of life including mood, sleep, sexual function and increased vigor. Calorie restriction and weight loss takes effort, a lot of it, but in addition to the known health benefits that include a decreased risk of diabetes, it appears that it also improves day-to-day quality of life. —Neil Skolnik, MD