According to the World Health Organization (WHO), almost 13% of the world’s adults were obese in 2016. Almost everybody knows that eating fewer calories, exercising regularly, or a combination of both can help prevent or overcome obesity. But fewer people know about the molecules, called cytokines, that are released as a result of exercise. These cytokines change adipose tissue – the stuff that makes up fat – from unhealthy white fat to more healthy brown fat. This means that exercise may protect your health beyond just helping to lose weight! A recent review goes into detail on diet and exercise interventions, and the authors explain the relationship between cytokines and fat in more detail.

Exercise is medicine, and regular physical activity can help your body and brain in so many ways. The PAAD2 study at UNC Greensboro is working to understand the relationship between physical activity and Alzheimer’s disease – click here to see if you qualify to help researchers and future generations!