Advances in Exercise Science, Health and Obesity Prevention

CIDEFES - Center for Research in Sports, Physical Education, Exercise and Health, hosted, on September 15th, the scientific conference with Professor Peter Katzmarzyk and Professor José Maia, experts in the field of physical activity science and public health.

The research projects were presented, “Understanding childhood obesity: The International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment” and “The RUSH project: Returning to school after COVID-19 – the fundamental roles of the family , school and communities in the growth and motor development of children.”

At the event held on the campus of Universidade Lusófona - Centro Universitário Lisboa, a space was provided for scientists, researchers and sector experts, where it was possible to share knowledge about the most recent advances in exercise science, health promotion and obesity prevention.

Peter Katzmarzyk, recognized for his expertise in physical activity epidemiology and global health, presented the ISCOLE project and its approach to understanding physical activity behavior among children from different cultures and backgrounds. He therefore aimed to identify the main factors that influence physical activity levels among children around the world, opening a clear path to effective interventions to combat sedentary lifestyle.

José Maia, in turn, specializes in exercise physiology and public health intervention and shared ideas from his RUSH project. Considered an ambitious effort, it seeks to examine the relationship between physical fitness during adolescence and the quality of cardiovascular health later in life. It also investigates how physical fitness levels impact cardiovascular disease risk factors over time, as well as the possibility of improving public health strategies aimed at young populations. The CIDEFES scientific conference offered, above all, an opportunity for participants to interact with these two scientists as they presented their research projects, as well as informative discussions led by experts from several related disciplines, promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing between participants.