PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY, NUTRITION, AND CHRONIC DISEASE

Epidemiologic, animal, clinical, and metabolic studies demonstrate the independent roles of physical activity and nutrition in the preventio n and treatment of several chronic diseases. Fewer data are available to describe the synergistic effects of exercise and diet, and question s remain as to whether and how these two lifestyle factors work togeth er to promote health and prevent disease. This paper briefly reviews m any of the known effects of physical activity and nutrition on the pre vention and treatment of coronary heart disease, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, obesity, and osteoporosis as well as how exercise and diet may work together. A discussion of how to increase physical a ctivity levels and how to improve dietary intake also is included. Fin ally, current exercise and dietary recommendations are summarized, as are directions for future research.