Scientists Link a Workout Combination to Lower Diabetes and Cancer Risk
Summary
A study from the University of Queensland followed over 8,000 adults for nine years and found that people who regularly did both aerobic exercise and muscle-strengthening activities had a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and some cancers. Only about a quarter of adults met both exercise guidelines, highlighting a need for better public health messages encouraging strength training along with aerobic workouts.Key Facts
- The study tracked adults aged 40 to 64 in Brisbane from 2007 to 2016.
- Recommended exercise includes at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity weekly and muscle-strengthening exercises on two or more days.
- Meeting both exercise guidelines was linked to a 23% lower cancer risk, 24% lower hypertension risk, and 50% lower type 2 diabetes risk.
- About 50% of participants met aerobic activity guidelines, but only 24% met both aerobic and muscle-strengthening guidelines.
- Around 30% of participants did not meet either exercise recommendation.
- Muscle-strengthening activities involve lifting weights, resistance bands, and bodyweight exercises like push-ups and squats.
- Current public health advice often focuses mainly on aerobic activity, but this study suggests strength training is equally important to prevent chronic diseases.
- Chronic diseases affect about 60% of middle-aged adults in Australia, with 30% having more than one condition.
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