Add 7-10 to your life easily: French biochemist reveals the real longevity secret backed by 25-year research

For years, fasting has been viewed as a shortcut to better health and a longer life. However, French biochemist and New York Times bestselling author Jessie Inchauspé, known for her science-based insights on health, says otherwise. In a recent Instagram post, she explained that fasting is far from a “magic bullet.” Drawing on twenty-five-year studies conducted on monkeys since the 1980s, she highlighted that while fasting extended the lifespan of monkeys fed an unhealthy diet, it made little to no difference for those already consuming a healthy one.

In an Instagram post, Inchauspé elaborated that the widely held belief that fasting or caloric restriction automatically lengthens lifespan does not hold up under scrutiny. The research, she pointed out, showed that the data around fasting and longevity remains inconclusive. According to her, the notion that simply restricting food intake could add years to life is overly simplistic and not backed by consistent scientific proof.

The Real Longevity Booster

Instead, Inchauspé emphasized that the real key to a longer life lies in something far more accessible—regular exercise. She explained that studies consistently show individuals who engage in physical activity can live seven to ten years longer than those who remain inactive. Her message was straightforward: exercising three times a week can significantly improve both the quality and length of life. Compared to fasting, the effects of consistent physical movement are much more powerful and reliable when it comes to promoting longevity.


Science Backs the Power of Movement

Health experts agree with Inchauspé’s perspective. According to Healthline, exercise benefits nearly every system in the body. It helps boost mood, manage weight, strengthen muscles and bones, and lower the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Physical activity also enhances cardiovascular and lung function, improving energy levels and endurance over time.

Research has shown that even brief periods of exercise—around 10 to 30 minutes—can positively influence mood by increasing brain sensitivity to serotonin and endorphins, the chemicals responsible for feelings of happiness and reduced stress. Additionally, consistent physical activity helps regulate body weight by increasing metabolism and energy expenditure, preventing the onset of obesity-related conditions.

Experts note that aging well is not about rigid restriction but about balance and consistent healthy habits. Exercise, unlike fasting, offers broad and proven benefits for both physical and mental well-being. It supports better metabolism, higher energy, and lower inflammation—all of which contribute to longer, healthier lives.