Rhesus Monkey Studies
The Rhesus Macaque, often called the Rhesus Monkey, is one of the best known species of Old World monkeys. The species is native to northern India, Bangladesh, Burma, Thailand, Pakistan, Afghanistan, southern China, and some neighboring areas.
In one experiment, a group of rhesus monkeys is on a major diet. For nearly two decades they have been taking in a good 30 percent fewer calories than their well-fed brothers and sisters. They are the centerpiece of a National Institutes of Health study at the University of Wisconsin on whether or not calorie restriction makes them healthier and extends their lives. Paralleling findings from rodent studies suggest that CR may retard many age-sensitive parameters in humans as well.
The control animals are nearing the end of a typical monkey lifespan, about 27 years, and major differences in their overall health are becoming clear. The skinny monkeys actually look younger, their coats are shinier, and fewer have arthritis. And the chunky monkeys? Many have diabetes, and a significantly higher number have cancer and heart disease. Pound for pound, Colman says the lighter monkeys do better.
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