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Physical activity

While it is apparent that physical activity has beneficial effects on health and reduces the negative consequences of excess weight, our understanding of its relationship to obesity - and of its mechanisms, effect size, optimal level and effective implementation for prevention or treatment - is limited. Developments in methodology and the use of cohorts are required to increase progress. Like bariatric surgery, physical activity may be a useful experimental tool with which to examine pathways linking obesity and disease.

  • Mechanistic research - physical activity appears to have a disproportionate effect on health outcomes (particularly insulin resistance and blood pressure) compared to its effect on weight, breaking the link between obesity and disease. As with bariatric surgery, increased understanding of the mechanistic basis of these effects will likely yield significant insights and novel therapeutic targets.
  • Investigation of the determinants and effects of exercise and sedentary behaviour; physiology, genetics and social/environmental factors in regulation of exercise levels and sedentary behaviour.
  • Incorporation of valid and relevant physical activity and sedentary behaviour measurements into large cohorts.
  • Development of effective and efficient interventions to increase physical activity in contemporary populations.

Priorities for MRC obesity research Mechanisms of obesity and associated disease Neuroscience of obesity Prevention and intervention: obesity and links to disease Physical activity Ethnicity and obesity Bariatric surgery as a research tool Global health Method development (including dietary behaviour)