The only method that has consistently shown to slow the aging process, and in some species, even double life span, is calorie restriction. Bottom line - the less you eat (short of being malnourished), the slower you age and the longer you live. 90% of age-related disease (heart disease, strokes, cancer, Alzheimer's) is due to dietary indiscretion and lack of exercise. Because of our lifestyle, the incidence of age-related disease is quickly climbing. Due to obesity, children of this generation are the first that are predicted to not live as long as their parents.

What is the optimal method to lose weight and maintain the weight loss? Let me first address this by discussing the commonly used methods that are sub-optimal.

Pharmaceutical medicines prescribed by physicians:
Not Effective for Long Term Weight Loss.
There are only two drugs currently approved by the FDA for long term use for weight loss, Meridia and Xenical. Neither of these drugs have yielded significant weight loss in placebo-controlled studies. A 250 lb individual will typically lose approximately 15 lbs in a year. Xenical has the added drawback of causing intolerable side-effects such as anal leakage.

Drugs approved by the FDA for short term weight loss (several weeks only) are the amphetamine derivatives (such as Adipex or Fastin). These drugs are wonderful appetite suppressants initially; with time, they simply lose their effectiveness. Long term weight loss with these drugs is not seen. Side-effects - hypertensive crisis, abnormal heart rhythms. More importantly, they stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, which in the long run, accelerates the aging process.

Liquid meal replacements
Not Effective for Long Term Weight Loss.
Long term weight loss is not typically seen. Individuals eventually stop using these replacements and return to their old eating habits. In addition, if using these drinks as a meal replacement, instead of a supplement, individuals will miss out on the nutritional benefits of solid food.

Low carbohydrate diets
Not Effective for Long Term Weight Loss.
Recent studies have shown these diets to be ineffective in the long term. Most individuals have difficulty eating this way for a prolonged period.

Aerobic exercise
Not Effective for Fat Loss.
Aerobic exercise is excellent for cardiovascular fitness. It is not, however, the most effective means of fat loss. Long duration aerobic exercise actually breaks down muscle, in addition to causing some fat loss. The more muscle an individual has, the higher the basal metabolic rate (BMR), and therefore, the more calories that will be burned. Aerobic exercise typically increases the BMR for up to one hour after completion of the exercise; strength training, on the other hand, through increased muscle mass, increases BMR 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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