"Objective: This study investigated the relationship between physical activity and...obesity-related inflammatory 'indications, including TNF* receptors]... Furthermore, we examined the relationship between physical activity and insulin sensitivity...'which relates to diabetes.]

Measurements were taken from 405 healthy men and 454 healthy women. Information was obtained about physical activity to determine whether there was any correlation between their levels of activity and the measurements of inflammatory markers in their blood.

"Discussion: 'The] results suggest that frequent physical activity is associated with lower 'system] inflammation and improved insulin sensitivity..."

DETAILS: Although the researchers were most concerned with diabetes, inflammatory indications also relate to heart disease and other auto-immune diseases; as Lupus, M.S., Rheumatoid Arthritis, etc. Indeed, TNF has been established as a causative factor in most auto-immune diseases, including Inflammatory Bowel Disease and M.S. As noted, TNF is reduced through physical activity.

*Tumor Necrosis Factor.

By: Pischon, Hankinson, Hotamisligil, Rifal and Rimm, Dept. of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Mass., Dept. of Epidemiology, ditto, Franz-Volhard Clinic, Humboldt U., Berlin, Germany, Channing Lab., Dept. of Medicine, Harvard Med. School & Brigham & Women's Hosp., Boston, Dept. of Lab. Med., Children's Hosp. & Dept. of Pathology, Harvard Med. School. In: Obesity Res., vol. 11, 2003.