Active living and Overcoming Heat stress

To initiate muscle movement, our body relies on energy derived from various substrates, including lipids and carbohydrates. The selection of the most suitable substrate is influenced by exercise intensity but not only, the escalating prevalence of hot environments introduces a new dimension to this dynamic – impacting our metabolic flexibility. While the effects of environmental conditions on substrate utilization have been extensively explored in trained individuals, the implications for non-active individuals, constituting a significant portion of the UK population, remain largely unexplored. This oversight is crucial as it could potentially exacerbate their susceptibility to metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and obesity, by hindering the utilization of fat.

Trying to sell active healthy living in a cafe might be a tall order! But just like having a coffee and a cake with a friend is important for well-being, so too is taking part in activities and exercise you enjoy. However, this isn't always possible. Sometimes, certain members of the local community face more barriers to leading active healthy lives. Our research project is looking to give these people a voice and an opportunity to do something about it! Researchers from Loughborough University are helping adults from deprived areas, as well as older adults, unpaid carers, and people from the Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities to develop new and enjoyable ways to be more active. Tonight's talk will explain the progress made so far, and how you could potentially get involved.