Obesity, often measured by body mass index (BMI) in the general public, is a complex condition characterized by an excessive accumulation of body fat. It has reached pandemic proportions, especially in the United States, and has become a critical global health concern. Obesity is not just about excess weight; it is a serious metabolic syndrome closely linked to a range of diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. These associated health conditions significantly compromise healthspan, placing an immense burden on both individual well-being and healthcare systems.

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of all mortalities around the world, with sedentary lifestyle being one of the biggest risk factors. The most direct clinical indicators of cardiorespiratory fitness are cardiac output and VO2max, both are major parameters that decline with aging, potentially a determining factor for healthspan

Healthspan is the period of our life without major debilitating diseases. In the modern world where unhealthy lifestyle choices and chronic diseases taper the healthspan, which lead to an enormous economic burden, finding ways to promote healthspan becomes a pressing goal of the scientific community. Exercise, one of humanity’s most ancient and effective lifestyle interventions, appears to be at the centre of the solution since it can both treat and prevent the occurrence of many chronic diseases. Here, I will review the current evidence and opinions about regular exercise promoting healthspan through enhancing the functionality of our organ systems and preventing diseases.

Neurological disorders are a significant and growing global health concern. In the United States alone, they are projected to cost over $16 trillion by 2030, creating a substantial burden on both individuals and healthcare systems. Conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy are particularly debilitating, especially as they often worsen with age, dramatically reducing quality of life and healthspan. However, an increasing body of evidence suggests that one of the most powerful interventions for both mitigating and preventing cognitive decline is regular exercise.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver condition characterized by the accumulation of fatty acids in the liver, independent of alcohol consumption. This disease has become increasingly prevalent worldwide, encompassing a spectrum of conditions that range from simple hepatic steatosis (fatty liver) to more severe forms, such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, and cirrhosis. If left unchecked, NAFLD can eventually progress to liver failure, significantly compromising healthspan and placing a substantial burden on both individuals and healthcare systems.