Physical Activity News and Research

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Why your heart works harder at night after a few drinks, according to new research

Researchers at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich found that moderate alcohol consumption transiently raises nocturnal resting heart rate without altering objective sleep stages. However, it worsens subjective sleep quality, highlighting subtle cardiovascular stress even at low alcohol doses.

28 Apr 2025

Prioritizing diabetes prevention through education and lifestyle changes

With American Diabetes Alert Day approaching on March 25, 2025, the Molly Diabetes Education and Management Center for Adults and Children urges individuals, especially those struggling with prediabetes and obesity, to prioritize diabetes prevention and treatment through education, nutritional counseling, and exercise.

25 Apr 2025

What’s behind Gen Z’s skepticism about Ozempic and Wegovy

A U.S. study of over 500 youth aged 14–24 found high awareness but widespread hesitation about using semaglutide for weight loss. Concerns focused on safety, social stigma, and a preference for lifestyle changes like diet and exercise.

24 Apr 2025

Common diabetes drug can reduce the pain of people with knee osteoarthritis and obesity

A common diabetes drug can reduce the pain of people with knee osteoarthritis and overweight or obesity, possibly delaying the need for knee replacements, Monash University-led research has found.

24 Apr 2025

Metabolic syndrome in midlife linked to higher dementia risk

Having a larger waistline, high blood pressure and other risk factors that make up metabolic syndrome is associated with an increased risk of young-onset dementia, according to a study published on April 23, 2025, online in Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

23 Apr 2025

Move more, think sharper: How physical activity boosts brain health in aging

A brisk walk, a splash of water aerobics, or even a light jog around the block – if your heart rate goes up then so too will your brain health according to new research from the University of South Australia.

23 Apr 2025

DASH diet and salt reduction work together to reduce cardiovascular risk

Reducing dietary sodium and following the DASH diet each lower 10-year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with the greatest benefit when combined. This effect is especially strong for women, Black adults, and those with stage 2 hypertension.

23 Apr 2025

Only 13% of French adults have optimal heart health, study finds

Researchers assessed the Life’s Essential 8 cardiovascular health (CVH) scores in over 190,000 French adults, revealing that only 13% had optimal CVH. Higher scores were associated with being younger, female, well-educated, and having healthier lifestyle factors.

21 Apr 2025

Alzheimer's risk factors linked to cognition as early as young adulthood

A new study from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and the Columbia Butler Aging Center suggests that risk factors and biomarkers related to Alzheimer's disease are associated with cognition much earlier in life than previously recognized.

21 Apr 2025

Machine learning helps decode exercise motivation and behavior

Sticking to an exercise routine is a challenge many people face. But a University of Mississippi research team is using machine learning to uncover what keeps individuals committed to their workouts.

17 Apr 2025

Vaccine trial shows promise for saving California condors from bird flu

Researchers evaluated the safety and immune response of a poultry-derived H5N1 avian influenza vaccine in black vultures and critically endangered California condors. The findings support the use of vaccination as a conservation tool against deadly avian flu outbreaks.

17 Apr 2025

The truth about apples, supplements and immunity - What brits get wrong about their health

New research has revealed some of Brits biggest misconceptions when it comes to immune health.

17 Apr 2025

New Canadian guidelines offer comprehensive approach to managing pediatric obesity

Researchers provide evidence-based recommendations to manage pediatric obesity.

17 Apr 2025

Modified Japanese diet shows promise for lowering blood pressure, study finds

A study of 12,213 Japanese workers found no link between hypertension and the traditional Japanese diet, but a modified version emphasizing whole grains, fruits, and dairy showed a potential protective effect. The findings highlight how modernizing traditional diets with nutrient-rich foods may combat high blood pressure.

16 Apr 2025

EAT-Lancet planetary diet shows no dementia risk, may protect against Alzheimer’s

In a large Swedish study, researchers found that the environmentally sustainable EAT-Lancet diet does not increase dementia risk and may lower the risk of Alzheimer’s and all-cause dementia, particularly in people without the APOE ε4 gene. The findings support the integration of sustainable diets into dementia prevention strategies.

15 Apr 2025

Peanuts pack a punch for youth: study finds cellular benefits

Daily consumption of skin-roasted peanuts for six months led to a modest but significant increase in telomere length among young, healthy adults, while peanut butter did not show this effect.

15 Apr 2025

Digital lifestyle program cuts diabetes risk by 46% in prediabetics, study of 130k+ adults reveals

A large study of 133,764 adults found that a voluntary digital lifestyle program reduced 10-year diabetes risk by 45.6% in prediabetics and doubled remission rates in diabetics, with significant improvements in triglycerides, insulin resistance, and inflammatory markers like hs-CRP.

14 Apr 2025

New guideline takes a patient-centered approach to managing obesity in children

A new guideline to help health care providers manage obesity in children and adolescents takes a patient-centred approach, emphasizing behavioral and psychological supports that focus on outcomes valued by patients and their families.

14 Apr 2025

Weight-loss lifestyle changes slow bone loss in older adults

Researchers evaluate the effects of a weight-loss lifestyle intervention on age-related bone deterioration.

14 Apr 2025

Adolescent obesity in England rises by 50% over 15 years

New research to be presented at this year's European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2025, Malaga, Spain, 11-14 May) shows that the proportion of adolescents living with overweight or obesity in England has increased by 50% from 2008-2010 (22%) to 2021-2023 (33%).

12 Apr 2025