Physical activity can reduce your risk of major illnesses, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer by up to 50% and lower your risk of early death by up to 30%.

NHS Choices

Working in collaboration with the Medical Research Council, the University led a major programme of research into the effect of exercise, physical activity and nutrition on health across the lifespan.

Projects included evaluating metabolic health, physical activity and nutrition in young people and studying the effects of ageing and physical exercise.

Working with clinicians, nutritionists and schools in the Bedfordshire area, our researchers received funding from the NHS, the Bedford Charity and the Alexander Trust and ascertained that a lack of exercise combined with poor nutrition leads to an increase in poor metabolic health at very early life stages.

Young people, the NHS, schools and parents have all benefitted from the findings of our work through the introduction and promotion of physical activity throughout schools.

Our research has also produced important findings around the link between physical activity and improved insulin sensitivity in individuals with type 2 diabetes.