A new study reveals that certain muscle proteins activated during exercise can increase the desire to stay active, shedding light on a muscle-brain signaling pathway. The research suggests that this mechanism could play a crucial role in promoting regular physical activity, particularly in treating obesity and metabolic diseases. The findings also hint at the potential for developing targeted therapies to encourage exercise in those less inclined to do so.

Researchers have identified orexin, a brain chemical, as crucial in deciding between exercising and indulging in treats. In experiments with mice, those with an intact orexin system were more inclined to exercise rather than consume a tempting milkshake. This discovery could offer insights into developing strategies for combating obesity and promoting physical activity in humans. Understanding orexin's influence on decision-making between physical activity and food consumption may pave the way for effective interventions targeting sedentary lifestyles.

A new study suggests that exercise reduces depression by boosting motivation through decreased inflammation and enhanced dopamine function. This understanding could lead to personalized exercise programs as treatment. The review highlights how aerobic exercise combats anhedonia and low energy in depression. Large trials are needed to further test this hypothesis and explore barriers to exercise.

A new suggests that three-minute resistance exercise breaks every 30 minutes in the evening can extend sleep duration by an average of 27 minutes. This practice doesn't disrupt sleep quality and could reduce cardiometabolic disease risk. Participants engaged in simple exercises like chair squats and calf raises. Further research is needed to confirm these findings in real-life settings.

Female athletes consuming only half their caloric needs for 14 days experienced significant drops in performance and muscle mass. This low energy availability also weakened their immune systems. The harmful effects couldn't be reversed by short-term refeeding, highlighting the risks of weight loss practices in sports. The findings emphasize the need for awareness and better support for athletes.