Exercise as a therapeutic intervention for long-lasting and chronic diseases.

Febbraio, Mark A; Pedersen, Bente Klarlund · Cell Metab · 2026

review · Level V

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Abstract

In a little over 100 years, global life expectancy has increased by ∼60%. Paradoxically, it has been estimated that we now exercise five times less than we did 100 years ago. Despite a marked increase in life expectancy, the prevalence of non-contagious diseases (NCDs), otherwise known as "chronic lifestyle diseases," such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cognitive diseases, and cancer, has increased. Here, we discuss the concept of "exercise as medicine" for the treatment of NCD and provide evidence for the direct mechanisms by which regular physical activity can either prevent the onset or slow the progression of these diseases.

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