Want the latest health intel? We’ve combed the science journals so you don’t have to
12 .4 million
The number of adults in the UK who fitted in fewer than 30 minutes of exercise each week between November 2020 and November 2021 – that’s two hours less than the recommended 150 minutes. Need to boost your activity? Try out our training plans at womenshealthmag.com/uk
WEIGHT EXPECTATION
-Dumbbells at the ready: strength training paired with a calorie deficit can give you just as good weight-loss results as aerobic exercise, says a new Australian study*. Still need convincing? Strength training can help you maintain muscle and reduce pressure on joints, too.
SAYONAR A , DEMENTIA
-The latest weapon in the fight against cognitive decline? Learning a second language. A recent Norwegian study found that bilingual people are diagnosed with dementia between five and seven years later than their monolingual counterparts. ¡Muy bien!
HUG IT OUT
-As challenging as it might be to convince someone to cuddle you when you’ve been struck down with a cold, it’s worth a shot. Researchers have learned that the release of oxytocin that accompanies a squeeze negates the effects of cortisol, the stress hormone that can weaken the immune system and deplete infectionfighting white blood cells.
In the know
Screen saver
Tweeting, livestreaming, doomscrolling – whatever your virtual vice, studies suggest taking a break from social media can significantly improve your mental health. Researchers at the University of Bath compared the wellbeing of participants who used social media for an average of seven hours a week with those who went cold turkey. The results? Just one week sans social media lessened feelings of depression and anxiety. Time to power down.
