Monthly Archives: June 2024

Replacing red meat with herring or sardines could potentially save up to 750,000 lives annually by 2050

The researchers posit that adopting a diet rich in marine forage fish could prove particularly advantageous for low and middle-income countries, where these fish are abundant and economically accessible. This dietary shift could be instrumental in mitigating the significant burden of heart disease prevalent in such regions. They highlight mounting evidence associating the consumption of red and processed meats with heightened risks of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which accounted for approximately 70% of global deaths in 2019. Among these NCDs, coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and bowel cancer constituted nearly half of the toll, with coronary artery disease being the predominant contributor.

Marine forage fish emerge as a promising dietary alternative due to their rich content of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (DHA and EPA), calcium, and vitamin B12. These nutrients are crucial for cardiovascular health, potentially aiding in the prevention of coronary heart disease. Moreover, forage fish boasts the lowest carbon footprint among animal food sources, underscoring their environmental sustainability. However, despite their nutritional and ecological benefits, a substantial portion of the forage fish catch, primarily from regions grappling with food insecurity and malnutrition, is diverted towards fishmeal and fish oil production for fish farming, catering predominantly to affluent consumers.

Recognising the potential of forage fish to alleviate the global burden of disease, the researchers embarked on a comprehensive analysis. They devised four distinct scenarios, each reflecting a different approach to forage fish allocation globally. These scenarios aimed to evaluate the efficacy of substituting red meat with forage fish, considering projected red meat consumption trends and historical forage fish catch data. The scenarios ranged from prioritising domestic supply to equitably distributing forage fish to regions with suboptimal fish intake levels.

Their analysis yielded promising results, suggesting that widespread adoption of forage fish consumption could yield substantial public health benefits by mitigating the incidence of coronary heart disease and other diet-related illnesses. By preventing between half a million and 750,000 deaths from dietary-related diseases by 2050, particularly coronary heart disease-related fatalities, and averting 8–15 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), predominantly in low—and middle-income countries, this approach demonstrates considerable potential.

However, the researchers acknowledge the limitations posed by the finite supply of forage fish, emphasising that it cannot entirely replace red meat consumption. Nevertheless, by augmenting daily per capita fish intake towards recommended levels and reducing deaths from coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and bowel cancer by an estimated 2% by 2050, forage fish integration into diets presents a viable strategy for improving public health outcomes.

Among the four scenarios explored, prioritising the allocation of forage fish to regions with lower fish consumption levels emerged as the most effective approach for reducing the global burden of disease. This strategy underscores the importance of targeting interventions towards populations with the greatest need, predominantly situated in low and middle-income countries. Furthermore, for landlocked nations devoid of direct access to seafood, such as Mongolia and several African countries, expanding global marketing and trade in forage fish becomes imperative to facilitate access to this nutritious food source.

Despite the theoretical promise of forage fish, the researchers acknowledge various barriers hindering their widespread adoption. Challenges such as fishmeal and oil processing, overfishing, climate change impacts, and cultural acceptance necessitate a multi-sectoral policy approach to overcome. Suggestions include prioritising access to affordable fish, promoting nutrient-rich microalgae as fish feed, and implementing culturally tailored interventions to foster healthy dietary habits and awareness.

Moreover, advocating for consumer education initiatives, such as climate change impact labels on food items and highlighting the nutritional value of forage fish, could facilitate the transition away from red meat consumption. By combining policy interventions, community engagement, and educational campaigns, stakeholders can synergistically work towards realising the health and environmental benefits of integrating forage fish into dietary patterns, thereby contributing to improved public health outcomes globally.

More information: Shujuan Xia et al, Unlocking the potential of forage fish to reduce the global burden of disease, BMJ Global Health. DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-013511

Journal information: BMJ Global Health Provided by The BMJ

Engaging in physical activity amidst natural surroundings contributes significantly to disease prevention, encompassing ailments such as depression and type 2 diabetes

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The research conducted by the esteemed University of Exeter has brought to light a significant discovery-the profound impact of physical activity in natural environments on disease prevention. This practice has the potential to avert nearly 13,000 cases of non-communicable diseases annually in England, thereby slashing treatment costs by over £100 million. These findings are particularly significant given the World Health Organization’s (WHO) assertion that the majority of global mortality stems from non-communicable diseases, encompassing heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and chronic lung disease. Characterised by their non-transmissible nature, these chronic diseases are on the rise worldwide.

The detrimental consequences of physical inactivity are evident across a spectrum of non-communicable diseases, spanning cardiovascular ailments, type-2 diabetes, cancers, and mental health disorders. According to the WHO’s Global Status Report on Physical Activity 2022, should current physical activity levels persist, an estimated 500 million new cases of such diseases will emerge globally between 2020 and 2030. However, by investing in nature-based physical activity, we have the potential to significantly reduce these numbers, thereby incurring annual treatment costs that are much lower than the projected £21 billion.

Natural settings serve as conducive spaces for recreational physical activity, with the research spotlighting areas like beaches, coastlines, countryside, and urban green spaces such as parks. Drawing on data including a comprehensive cross-sectional survey of the English populace, researchers at the University of Exeter gauged the preventive impact of nature-based recreational physical activity on six prevalent non-communicable diseases: major depressive disorder, type 2 diabetes, ischaemic heart disease, ischaemic stroke, colon cancer, and breast cancer.

Dr James Grellier from the University of Exeter Medical School discusses the findings published in Environment International. He underscores the significance of their assessment, noting its national scope and the likelihood of underestimating nature-based physical activity’s actual disease-preventive value. While focusing on common non-communicable diseases, he highlights the potential preventive benefits for less prevalent conditions. He underscores the prolonged impact of chronic diseases, amplifying the overall value of physical activity in disease prevention.

Addressing the imperative to elevate population levels of physical activity, public health institutions globally prioritise this as a strategic goal. To sustain good health, the WHO prescribes a weekly regimen of 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity for adults aged 18 to 64 or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity. However, data indicates that 27.5 per cent of adults globally need to meet these recommendations.

In 2019, approximately 22 million adults in England frequented natural environments every week. Leveraging reported rates of nature-based physical activity, Exeter researchers estimate that this engagement thwarted 12,763 cases of non-communicable diseases, yielding substantial annual healthcare savings. Researchers computed the incident cases of prevented diseases and the associated healthcare savings by utilising data from the Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment survey to gauge the volume of nature-based recreational physical activity among English adults.

Dr James Grellier emphasises the accessibility and informality of nature-based physical activity, particularly for individuals who may not have access to or feel inclined towards organised sports or fitness pursuits. This underscores the fact that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can engage in physical activity and reap its benefits. He advocates for investment in natural spaces such as parks, contending that such initiatives can facilitate increased physical activity among local populations. Ultimately, these efforts align with broader strategies to combat physical inactivity and promote public health.

More information: James Grellier et al, Valuing the health benefits of nature-based recreational physical activity in England, Environment International. DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108667

Journal information: Environment International Provided by University of Exeter

Tiny worms have adapted to survive the extreme radiation levels in the Chernobyl exclusion zone

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The Chornobyl nuclear disaster of 1986 stands as one of the most catastrophic events in human history, casting a shadow of devastation over the surrounding landscape that endures nearly four decades later. Evacuations were swift for humans, but the flora and fauna persisted amidst the lingering radiation, painting a haunting portrait of resilience amidst adversity.

A groundbreaking study led by researchers from New York University has shed light on the enduring legacy of chronic radiation exposure from Chornobyl on the region’s microscopic inhabitants. Contrary to expectations, the genomes of microscopic worms dwelling in the irradiated soil have not shown significant damage, sparking intrigue and cautionary tales alike. While this revelation does not imply safety within the region, it hints at these organisms’ remarkable adaptability and resilience in the face of extreme environmental pressures.

In recent years, scientific inquiry into the effects of chronic radiation on wildlife within the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone has intensified. The discovery of physical and genetic disparities among animals residing in this isolated pocket of Ukraine has spurred contemplation regarding the intricate interplay between radiation and DNA integrity. Sophia Tintori, a postdoctoral associate at NYU’s Department of Biology and the study’s lead author, underscores the profound uncertainties surrounding the disaster’s impact on local ecosystems. The selection pressures imposed by the sudden environmental upheaval raise profound questions regarding the evolutionary responses of various species to ionising radiation.

To unravel this biological problem, Tintori and her team turned their attention to nematodes, diminutive worms renowned for their simplicity of genome and rapid reproductive cycles. Matthew Rockman, a professor of biology at NYU and the senior author of the study, extols the virtues of nematodes as invaluable tools for elucidating fundamental biological processes. Their ubiquity and rapid life cycles render them ideal candidates for probing evolutionary dynamics in the wake of ecological disruption.

The allure of the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, teeming with unexpected vitality amidst desolation, beckoned the researchers on an expedition fraught with both peril and scientific promise. Equipped with Geiger counters to gauge radiation levels and clad in protective gear, they embarked on a quest to collect nematode specimens from various locales within the irradiated landscape. From the verdant foliage to decaying organic matter, samples were meticulously gathered, representing a spectrum of radiation exposure ranging from nominal levels akin to urban environments to perilously elevated doses reminiscent of outer space.

The subsequent analysis unfolded within the confines of a makeshift field laboratory in the heart of Chornobyl, where hundreds of nematodes were meticulously extracted from their terrestrial confines. These specimens were then transported to a temporary sanctuary in Kyiv, where painstaking efforts ensued to isolate and cultivate distinct worm populations. Amidst the microscope’s gaze, the intricate tapestry of nematode life in Chornobyl unfurled, offering glimpses into the mysteries of adaptation and survival in a radioactive crucible.

Upon their return to NYU’s laboratories, the researchers embarked on a meticulous interrogation of the nematode genomes, seeking elusive traces of radiation-induced genetic aberrations. Despite exhaustive analyses employing diverse methodologies, the anticipated signature of radiation damage remained conspicuously absent. Tintori, while acknowledging the limitations of their findings, underscores the astonishing resilience of nematodes in the face of extreme adversity. The enigmatic absence of radiation-induced genetic lesions prompts speculation regarding the intrinsic defences harboured by these diminutive organisms against genomic assaults.

Undeterred by this scientific impasse, the researchers devised innovative experiments to probe the mechanisms underpinning the nematodes’ apparent resilience to DNA damage. By scrutinising the growth dynamics of distinct worm lineages and subjecting them to various genotoxic insults, they sought to unravel the intricacies of DNA repair mechanisms in real time. While discernible differences in sensitivity to DNA damage were observed among nematode lineages, these variations did not correlate with the ambient radiation levels at their respective collection sites. This intriguing revelation challenges conventional assumptions regarding the adaptive responses of organisms to chronic radiation exposure, underscoring the complexity of evolutionary dynamics in irradiated environments.

The implications of these findings extend far beyond the realm of nematode biology, offering compelling, tantalising insights into the intricacies of DNA repair mechanisms and natural variation in higher organisms, including humans. Tintori envisions leveraging the resilience of nematode strains to elucidate the nuanced interplay between genetic predispositions and environmental carcinogens in shaping cancer susceptibility. By dissecting the characteristic responses of individual organisms to DNA-damaging agents, researchers aspire to unravel the intricate tapestry of cancer risk factors, paving the way for personalised interventions and targeted therapies.

In essence, the humble nematodes of Chornobyl serve as unwitting sentinels of resilience amidst adversity, offering profound lessons in adaptation and survival in the face of ecological upheaval. As humanity grapples with the enduring legacy of nuclear disasters, their plight serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience encoded within the very fabric of life itself. Through the lens of scientific inquiry, we glimpse the intricate dance of evolution unfolding amidst the wreckage of human folly, heralding a future illuminated by the resilience of life in all its myriad forms.

More information: Sophia C. Tintori et al, Environmental radiation exposure at Chornobyl has not systematically affected the genomes or chemical mutagen tolerance phenotypes of local worms, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2314793121

Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Provided by New York University

The connection between individuals who consume mangoes and expectant mothers: enhanced dietary habits and improved intake of nutrients

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Women in the stages of conception, pregnancy, or lactation often possess distinctive nutritional requirements that are frequently unaddressed by their current dietary choices. A recent study, unveiled in Nutrients, reveals a significant discovery: the inclusion of mangoes in the diets of women of childbearing age (WCA) leads to notable enhancements in both overall dietary quality and the intake of essential nutrients crucial for a healthy pregnancy. These vital nutrients, typically under-consumed by 10 – 30% in the diets of pregnant women, experience a significant upsurge when mangoes are integrated into their diets. This knowledge empowers women to make informed dietary choices that can potentially benefit their health and the health of their unborn children.

“Pregnant women are susceptible to various health conditions, such as gestational diabetes and hypertension, which endanger both their own health and that of the unborn baby,” explains study co-author Kristin Fulgoni. “Diet plays a pivotal role in preventive strategies, and mangoes are a nutritious fruit that provides many of the nutrients associated with reducing the risk of pregnancy-related ailments—including fibre, folate, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin E.”

The study drew upon data from 16,744 women aged 15-44 who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning from 1988-1994 to 1999-2018. Utilising the Healthy Eating Index (HEI), a validated metric of dietary quality, the investigation assessed how closely participants adhered to recommendations from the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA).

In comparison to diets devoid of mangoes, HEI scores were 16% higher among WCA who incorporated mangoes into their dietary regimen. This heightened dietary quality, a reassuring indicator of improved health, can be partly attributed to disparities in nutrient intake between the groups. When WCA included mangoes in their diets, they exhibited significantly elevated consumption of beneficial nutrients and reduced intake of undesirable ones.

The study also encompassed an additional cohort of older Americans aged 60 years and above—another demographic necessitating special nutritional attention. Contrasts between mango consumers and non-consumers revealed a 13% higher HEI score among mango eaters, along with increased intakes of fibre and vitamin C and decreased intakes of cholesterol, niacin, phosphorus, protein, riboflavin, saturated fat, and vitamin B12. Researchers inferred that older mango consumers exhibited a higher proportion of individuals identifying as vegetarian or vegan. This could elucidate the lower nutrient intakes, as many of these nutrients are typically more abundant in animal products.

“These findings contribute to an expanding body of research demonstrating the positive effects of incorporating mangoes into diverse diets,” notes Leonardo Ortega, PhD, Research Director at the National Mango Board. “As a culturally significant food intertwined with the heritage of more than a quarter of Americans, mangoes can serve as a crucial conduit to enhance nutritional equity and the quality of diet and nutrition across our multicultural nation.”

Food and nutrient intakes were ascertained based on two 24-hour dietary recalls utilising dietary components from NHANES and What We Eat in America surveys. The initial recall was conducted in person, with most participants completing the second recall via telephone. Mango consumers were defined as individuals reporting any quantity of raw mango consumption in either the first or second recall. Nutrient intakes were derived from both interviews and habitual intake was determined using the National Cancer Institute method. Dietary quality was evaluated using HEI-2020, which assigns a maximum score of 100 based on 13 subcomponents, each reflecting a food or nutrient group spotlighted in the 2020 DGA.

Study strengths encompassed utilising multiple NHANES cycles, resulting in a larger sample size of mango consumers. Nonetheless, limitations persisted, including the observational nature of NHANES analysis, which precludes assessments of causal relationships, reliance on dietary recalls, and the relatively modest percentage of the U.S. population that incorporates mangoes into their diets.

More information: Kristin Fulgoni et al, Mango Consumption Was Associated with Higher Nutrient Intake and Diet Quality in Women of Childbearing Age and Older Adults, Nutrients. DOI: 10.3390/nu16020303

Journal information: Nutrients Provided by Wild Hive

Exposure to prevalent environmental carcinogens has been linked to a reduction in overall lifespan happiness

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If improving your outlook on life were truly as effortless as merely saying, “Don’t worry, be happy,” then maintaining high spirits would be straightforward. Unfortunately, reality proves more complex, as numerous factors beyond our influence can impact our mood.

In a groundbreaking study published in March in the esteemed journal Environmental Research, researchers from Osaka University unveiled a significant revelation-pollutants in the environment can exert a profound influence on our emotional wellbeing throughout our lifespan.

A newly devised risk assessment tool defined happy life expectancy as the duration of a person’s life during which they experience subjective emotional wellbeing. Meanwhile, loss of happy life expectancy (LHpLE) was delineated as a reduction in positive emotional experiences in an individual’s life. LHpLE is determined by combining the decline in happiness and the rise in mortality linked with exposure to risks.

“We previously utilised the LHpLE measure to assess psychological distress and cancer risk following radiation exposure post the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident, among other scenarios,” explains lead author Michio Murakami. “However, this tool has not been applied to evaluate the impact of cancer or exposure to environmental carcinogens on happiness.”

To address this crucial gap in knowledge, the researchers conducted a meticulous survey of Japanese individuals, aiming to ascertain their average happiness across different ages and genders. This comprehensive approach allowed them to establish whether cancer diminishes emotional happiness. Subsequently, LHpLE was computed for exposure to prevalent environmental cancer-causing agents in Japan, alongside psychological distress, facilitating a robust comparison of diverse forms of risk exposure.

“The outcomes were thought-provoking,” elucidates young author Shuhei Nomura. “We discovered that emotional happiness did not significantly decline among those with cancer, nor was there a notable correlation between emotional happiness and cancer type, history, or stage.”

Overall, exposure to environmental carcinogens reduced lifespan emotional happiness by 0.0064 years for radon, 0.0026 years for arsenic, and 0.00086 years for fine particulate matter in the air, attributable to heightened mortality. The dip in emotional happiness was even more conspicuous for psychological distress, resulting in an LHpLE decrease of 0.97 years.

“Our findings indicate that exposure to carcinogens and psychological distress substantially diminishes lifetime happiness,” underscores Murakami.

Given the stark decline in lifespan emotional happiness associated with carcinogens, the profound insights gleaned from this study advocate for a transformative shift in environmental policies. By focusing on minimising exposure to such substances, we can potentially enhance public health and help individuals lead longer, more contented lives.

More information: Michio Murakami et al, Comparing the risks of environmental carcinogenic chemicals in Japan using the loss of happy life expectancy indicator, Environmental Research. DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118637

Journal information: Environmental Research Provided by Osaka University

Why do we move slower the older we get? New study delivers answers

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A fundamental reality of the ageing process is the gradual decrease in movement speed, whether it involves something as routine as walking around the neighbourhood or as simple as reaching for the television remote. A recent study spearheaded by engineers from the University of Colorado Boulder sheds light on this phenomenon and offers valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying the tendency for older individuals to move at a slower pace.

This study is one of the pioneering efforts to disentangle the various factors contributing to the reduced agility often observed in individuals aged 65 and above. One significant revelation from the research suggests that older adults may exhibit slower movements due, in part, to the heightened energy expenditure required compared to their younger counterparts. This revelation may not come as a surprise to those who have experienced post-activity fatigue.

The implications of these findings extend beyond mere academic interest, potentially offering clinicians novel diagnostic tools for a spectrum of conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, depression, and schizophrenia, as highlighted by Alaa Ahmed, a co-author of the study and a professor in the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering. Ahmed emphasises the broader significance: “Understanding the mechanics behind our movements, from subtle eye shifts to more complex actions like walking, offers a window into both the ageing process and conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.”

The study, detailed in the Journal of Neuroscience, involved subjects ranging from 18 to 35 years old and 66 to 87 years old. They were tasked with a seemingly straightforward activity: reaching for a target displayed on a screen, akin to engaging in a virtual gaming experience reminiscent of Nintendo Wii. Through meticulous analysis of these reaching movements, researchers observed that older adults exhibited adaptive alterations in their motions under specific conditions, ostensibly aimed at conserving their finite energy reservoirs.

Erik Summerside, co-lead author of the study and a mechanical engineering doctoral graduate from CU Boulder, contextualises these findings within a broader behavioural framework, stating, “Irrespective of age, our intrinsic drive compels us to maximise rewards while minimising effort in our interactions with the environment.”

Ahmed elaborates on the broader implications, noting that while it has long been recognised that older adults generally move more slowly due to decreased stability and precision in their movements, other factors likely contribute to this phenomenon. One such hypothesis posits that age-related changes in muscle efficiency may result in higher energy consumption during routine tasks, such as running or retrieving items.

Alternatively, ageing could also impact the brain’s reward circuitry, with declining dopamine production reducing the perceived pleasure derived from completing tasks and dampening the motivation to engage in movement. This insight is particularly relevant given the pronounced dopamine deficits observed in individuals with Parkinson’s disease.

To further elucidate these mechanisms, the researchers devised an experiment involving over 80 participants who were instructed to manipulate a robotic arm by controlling a cursor on a computer screen. Participants received rewards contingent upon reaching a designated target, albeit modest rewards that elicited a positive neurological response.

Ahmed explains the experimental setup, noting, “Occasionally, targets would ‘explode,’ accompanied by auditory cues, serving as the reward signal.” This setup enabled researchers to discern distinct behavioural patterns between younger and older participants when responding to reward cues.

Both age groups exhibited expedited responses in anticipation of rewards, albeit employing different strategies. Younger participants predominantly accelerated their arm movements, whereas older adults primarily improved their reaction times, initiating their reaches approximately 17 milliseconds earlier on average.

Remarkably, when younger participants were subjected to an additional 8-pound weight attached to the robotic arm, their behavioural patterns converged with those of older adults, highlighting the brain’s ability to discern subtle changes in energy expenditure and adapt movement strategies accordingly.

Robert Courter, co-lead author of the study and a mechanical engineering doctoral graduate from CU Boulder, underscores the remarkable adaptability of the human brain, stating, “Even when tasked with slightly increased physical demands, participants opted for the energetically advantageous strategy of quicker reaction times to attain rewards, mirroring the behaviour of older adults.”

Ahmed synthesises the findings, noting that younger and older participants demonstrated a comparable capacity to perceive rewards, yet their movements were modulated in response to perceived exertion levels. This nuanced understanding suggests that the effort costs of reaching motions may represent a pivotal determinant of age-related movement deceleration.

While the study acknowledges the potential role of brain reward centres in mediating age-related movement changes, Ahmed highlights the value of future research in delineating the precise origins and pathways underlying these alterations. By pinpointing the anatomical and physiological underpinnings of age-related movement decline, researchers may pave the way for targeted interventions to lessen the harmful effects of ageing and age-related conditions.

In essence, the study represents a significant stride towards unravelling the intricate interplay between biomechanical, neurological, and cognitive factors shaping age-related changes in movement patterns. By illuminating the underlying mechanisms governing movement dynamics across the lifespan, researchers hold the promise of developing tailored interventions to mitigate the impact of ageing on mobility and quality of life.

More information: Erik M. Summerside et al, Slowing of Movements in Healthy Aging as a Rational Economic Response to an Elevated Effort Landscape, JNeurosci. DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1596-23.2024

Journal information: JNeurosci Provided by University of Colorado Boulder

Research suggests that maintaining or initiating an active lifestyle can enhance the quality of life as individuals age, particularly for middle-aged women

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A recent study published in the open-access journal PLOS Medicine by Binh Nguyen and colleagues from the University of Sydney, Australia, sheds light on the correlation between consistent adherence to physical activity guidelines and the health-related quality of life in women, particularly during middle age. This study, released on May 2nd, presents findings based on data collected from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health, spanning fifteen years from 1996 onwards.

This robust research, encompassing a staggering 11,336 female participants born between 1946 and 1951, meticulously examined the impact of consistently meeting the World Health Organization’s (WHO) physical activity guidelines throughout middle age. These guidelines advocate for a minimum of 150 minutes of physical activity per week. Participants were stratified into groups based on their adherence to these guidelines: those who consistently met them, those who began meeting them at ages 55, 60, or 65, and those who never met them. The study evaluated the participants’ health-related quality of life using the physical health composite score (PCS) and mental health composite score (MCS) derived from the Short Form 36 Health Survey, a comprehensive questionnaire assessing functional health and well-being.

The results revealed that individuals who consistently adhered to the physical activity guidelines and those who started meeting them at age 55 exhibited higher PCS scores compared to those who did not meet the guidelines. Even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors and pre-existing health conditions, the positive impact of physical activity on PCS remained significant. However, the study found no significant association between physical activity and MCS.

The authors emphasised the importance of their findings in promoting an active lifestyle during mid-life, highlighting the cumulative health benefits that can be gained by maintaining or adopting physical activity habits. They stressed that even if women begin to meet the physical activity guidelines in their mid-50s, it can still lead to notable improvements in physical health, particularly regarding physical functioning.

Conclusively, this study underscores the imperative for women to maintain physical activity levels throughout middle age to maximise the long-term benefits for physical health in later life. The authors strongly advocate that women strive to increase their activity levels to meet the guidelines by age 55, thereby optimising their overall health and well-being as they age. These findings are a powerful testament to the transformative potential of physical activity in women’s health during middle age.

More information: Binh Nguyen et al, Physical activity across midlife and health-related quality of life in Australian women: A target trial emulation using a longitudinal cohort, PLoS Medicine. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004384

Journal information: PLoS Medicine Provided by PLOS