Physical Activity News and Research

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National study maps where food additives come from in children’s and adults’ diets

By analysing nationally representative diet data, researchers show that food additives rarely occur alone, with children and teenagers experiencing the highest exposure to complex additive mixtures largely driven by ultra-processed foods.

9 Dec 2025

High BMI and poor physical fitness in adolescence linked to severe bacterial infections in adulthood

High BMI and poor physical fitness during later adolescence increase the risk of both contracting and dying from sepsis and other severe bacterial infections in adulthood, according to a study from the University of Gothenburg.

9 Dec 2025

Physical activity may help restore ease of movement and agility during aging

The brain-chemical surge that comes with running may bolster coordination and speed in the old and young alike, a new study of middle-aged mice shows.

9 Dec 2025

Routine blood test may flag hidden osteoporosis risk, study finds

A large hospital-based cross-sectional study examined whether routinely measured serum alkaline phosphatase can indicate osteoporosis risk in adults undergoing health checks. Higher ALP levels, even within the normal range, were associated with greater osteoporosis likelihood, particularly in younger, female, and metabolically healthy individuals.

9 Dec 2025

Sleep may hold the key to staying active

Getting enough sleep and staying active are two of the most important things we can do for our health, but new research shows that most people struggle to achieve both, and that sleep may hold the key to moving more.

8 Dec 2025

Standard UK road crossing times may be unrealistic for older people with limited mobility

Road crossings need to slow down to allow people with mobility issues and older pedestrians enough time to use them, research has indicated.

8 Dec 2025

Walking speed before surgery predicts who thrives after hip replacement

This study shows that preoperative gait speed is a strong predictor of patient-reported pain relief, function, and joint awareness after total hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis. A walking speed of at least 1.0 m/s before surgery independently predicts excellent postoperative outcomes.

7 Dec 2025

Where you live affects your weight more than you think

Findings reveal a strong link between location and Body Mass Index, emphasizing the need for policies addressing food environments and health disparities.

4 Dec 2025

Prehabilitation helps reduce disability after surgery in frail older adults

A large clinical trial published in JAMA Surgery shows that prehabilitation (also called prehab) can reduce disability after surgery in older adults with frailty, provided they are able to fully take part in the prehab program.

3 Dec 2025

Recurrent strokes can be avoided with optimal prevention and follow-up

Patients who have had a stroke are prescribed medication to prevent new strokes. Nevertheless, fewer than half achieve the optimal treatment targets.

3 Dec 2025

Accessible parks, not just greenery, can increase everyday physical activity

The health benefits of nature are well-known, but its role in encouraging day-to-day physical activity across different regions and demographics has been less clear.

3 Dec 2025

Tai chi proves as effective as CBT for long-term insomnia relief

Researchers compare the efficacy of Tai chi with cognitive behavioral therapy for the treatment of chronic insomnia.

3 Dec 2025

Air pollution weakens the life-extending benefits of exercise

A study reveals that high PM2.5 levels reduce the health benefits of exercise, highlighting the need for air quality considerations in activity guidelines.

3 Dec 2025

Study finds measurable influence of living environment on body weight

A Curtin University-led study has found that where Australians live has a measurable influence on their body weight, with local food environments and neighbourhood design playing a big part in shaping health outcomes.

2 Dec 2025

WHO releases first guideline on the use of GLP-1 therapies for treating obesity

To address the growing global health challenge of obesity, which affects more than 1 billion people, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first guideline on the use of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) therapies for treating obesity as a chronic, relapsing disease.

2 Dec 2025