A new scientific publication in the journal Nature Reviews Endocrinology has revealed that the benefits of regular exercise far exceed strengthening muscles and improving heart health. Lead researchers from the Australian Catholic University (ACU), Professor John Hawley and Dr. Nolan Hoffman, note that physical activity changes the body at a molecular level, transforming the function of its systems.
This paper summarizes research conducted over the last two decades, studying the impact of physical activity on metabolism. The researchers emphasize that physical activity is a powerful biological intervention that affects human health at a molecular level.
Professor Hawley and Dr. Hoffman point out that 20 years ago, the metabolic benefits of exercise were known, but there was no knowledge of the complex molecular mechanisms underlying these benefits. Research in recent years, aided by modern technology, has made it possible to discover thousands of molecules that are activated during physical exertion.
Studies show that exercise:
- Induces specific changes in genes and proteins within muscle tissue.
- Leads to the improvement of metabolic and immune processes in the circulatory system.
- Releases molecules that transmit signals to various cells and organs throughout the body, confirming that the effect of exercise extends beyond muscle contraction.
The researchers suggest that these findings point to a future where physical activity (exercise) will be integrated into the healthcare system as a form of preventive medicine. It will be used to prevent and treat chronic diseases such as heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
In the future, it may be possible to use molecular biomarkers to predict how effective exercise will be, based on an individual’s genetic and metabolic profile.
