Exercise for Science enjoys the spotlight at an international medical forum

Exercise for Science shares insights at the Doctors Updates conference.

Doctors Updates is an annual conference in its 34th year, attracting more than 600 medical specialists from around the world.

For the first time, the 2024 event in Val d’Isere dedicated a 90 minute evening session to the science of exercise. The session was put together by conference organiser Bernie Liban, the BBC’s Sophie Raworth and Professor Alister Hart of Exercise for Science.

A range of viewpoints

Guests included science presenter and intermittent fasting advocate, Dr Michael Mosley, cardiologist Sanjay Sharma, who is medical director of the London Marathon and radiologist Charles House.

Sophie Raworth talked about her running experience, which began in mid-life but has quickly led her to join the senior GB running team.

Professor Hart presented our findings on the effects of exercise and particularly marathon running, on the joints. He reassured everyone that exercise is not causing damage, and instead is improving bone health and strengthening the muscles around our joints.

Dr Michael Mosley talked about the main conclusions from his TV programmes, podcasts and books on health and exercise.

Sanjay Sharma talked about the risks and benefits of exercise on the cardiovascular system. He reassured us that severe problems were very rare and that everyone can improve their health risk profile through exercise.

It was an excellent opportunity to confirm some of the science behind our findings and we were delighted to have very positive feedback from everyone who attended.