An expert discussion featured in Medical News Today’s “In Conversation” podcast highlights the crucial role of exercise in promoting longevity and reducing the risk of disease. Studies consistently show that simple lifestyle changes—particularly physical activity—can extend both lifespan and health span. A major study found that a mix of moderate aerobic exercise, vigorous activity, and muscle-strengthening exercises offered the most significant protection. For example, combining 150 to 225 minutes of moderate activity, 75 minutes of vigorous activity, and at least two strength sessions per week reduced risks of death from all causes, especially cardiovascular disease.

Even smaller amounts of vigorous exercise may offer meaningful benefits. One study found that just 2 minutes of high-intensity activity daily could cut death risk from cancer or heart events. Importantly, both experts emphasized that any physical activity is better than none, but leisure-time exercise is more beneficial than physically demanding jobs, which may increase health risks due to stress and overexertion. They also noted that individualized guidance from healthcare professionals is key, especially for older adults or those with existing health concerns. Overall, intentional, balanced physical activity emerges as a powerful, accessible tool to support long and healthy lives.

Reference: Cohut M. In Conversation: Why exercise is key to living a long and healthy life. Medical News Today. Published November 21, 2023. Accessed July 7, 2025. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/in-conversation-why-exercise-is-key-to-living-a-long-and-healthy-life?utm_source=ReadNext

A recent study presented at the European Congress on Obesity shows that patients treated with GLP-1 or dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists (semaglutide or tirzepatide) experienced significant fat loss with minimal lean muscle mass loss over six months. Conducted by researchers from Hofstra/Northwell and New York Weight Wellness Medicine, the prospective study followed 200 adults with overweight or obesity. Participants received medication along with guidance on resistance training and protein intake. Body composition was measured at baseline, three months, and six months using bioelectrical impedance analysis.

Results showed average weight loss of 12% in women and 13% in men, primarily due to fat loss. Muscle loss was minimal—about 0.6 kg in women and 1 kg in men. High medication adherence and consistent protein intake were linked to better muscle retention. Researchers concluded that, with expert supervision, muscle loss during weight reduction using GLP-1-based therapies can be minimized. Further investigation is underway to compare outcomes between semaglutide and tirzepatide, and to explore the long-term role of diet and exercise in muscle preservation.

Reference: Kohli K. Lean muscle mass loss minimized during weight loss therapy using newer incretin obesity drugs, suggests study. Medical Dialogues. Published April 11, 2025. Accessed July 7, 2025. https://medicaldialogues.in/medicine/news/lean-muscle-mass-loss-minimized-during-weight-loss-therapy-using-newer-incretin-obesity-drugs-suggests-study-146397

This Mendelian randomization (MR) study investigated whether three classes of cholesterol-lowering drugs—HMGCR inhibitors (eg, statins), PCSK9 inhibitors, and NPC1L1 inhibitors—causally affect the risk of diabetic microvascular complications. Using genetic data from genome-wide association studies, researchers examined the relationship between these drug targets and key complications including diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy. Genetic proxies for drug exposure were analyzed for their impact on LDL-C levels and downstream microvascular disease in patients with diabetes, with coronary artery disease used as a positive control.

Results revealed that HMGCR inhibition was strongly associated with increased risks of diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy. Similarly, PCSK9 inhibition was linked to elevated risks of nephropathy and neuropathy. In contrast, inhibition of NPC1L1 appeared protective against diabetic retinopathy. These findings suggest that while certain cholesterol-lowering therapies may increase microvascular risk in diabetes, NPC1L1 inhibitors could hold potential for targeted protection—highlighting the need for personalized lipid management in diabetic populations.

Reference: Yang B, Yao B, Zou Q, Li S, Yang S, Yang M. Causal Association Between Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs and Diabetic Microvascular Complications: A Drug-Target Mendelian Randomization Study. J Diabetes Res. 2025;2025:3661739. doi: 10.1155/jdr/3661739.