Effect of Calorie Restriction on Mood, Quality of Life, Sleep, and Sexual Function in Healthy Nonobese Adults

Adult men and women (N = 220) with body mass index (BMI; calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) of 22.0 to 28.0 were randomized to 2 years of 25% CR or an ad libitum (AL) control group in a 2:1 ratio favoring CR. Data were collected at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months and examined using intent-to-treat analysis.

In all, 218 participants were included in the analyses. The CR and AL groups lost a mean of 7.6 kg and 0.4 kg, respectively, at month 24 (P < .001). Compared with the AL group, the CR group had significantly improved mood, reduced tension, and improved general health and sexual drive and relationship at month 24 as well as improved sleep duration at month 12 (all P < .05). Greater percent weight loss in the CR group at month 24 was associated with increased vigor and less mood disturbance measured with the POMS, improved general health measured with the SF-36, and better sleep quality per the PSQI total score (ρ = 0.28) (all P < .01).

Conclusions and Relevance: In nonobese adults, CR had some positive effects and no negative effects on health-related QOL.