A new research on mice reveals exercise and a healthy diet in childhood leads to adults with bigger brains and lower levels of anxiety. The study, conducted by UC Riverrun is the first to examine the long-lasting, combined effects of both factors when they are experienced early in life.
A report quoted study lead and UCR physiology doctoral student Marcell Cadney as saying, “Any time you go to the doctor with concerns about your weight, almost without fail, they recommend you exercise and eat less. That's why it's surprising most studies only look at diet or exercise separately. In this study, we wanted to include both.” They scientists determined that early-life exercise generally reduced anxious behaviours in adults. It also led to an increase in adult muscle and brain mass.
The mice became fatter and grew into adults that preferred unhealthy foods when fed “western” style diets high in fat and sugar. Findings of the survey have recently been published in the journal Physiology and Behavior. The researchers divided the young mice into four groups – those with access to exercise, those without access, those fed a standard, healthy diet, and those who ate a Western diet.
In layman's terms, getting a jump start on health in the early years of one's life is extremely important. Cadney said, “During the Covid-19 lockdowns, particularly in the early months, kids got very little exercise. For many without access to a park or a backyard, the school was their only source of physical activity. It is important we find solutions for these kids, possibly including extra attention as they grow into adults.”
