Core Viewpoint - Lack of physical activity poses a significant threat to public health, increasing the incidence and mortality rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) globally. Exercise is recognized as the most effective and cost-efficient intervention to promote overall health and reduce the burden of NCDs. However, recent estimates indicate that 1.4 billion adults (27.5% of the global adult population) fail to meet recommended physical activity levels, with a concerning 81% of children and adolescents aged 11-17 also not meeting these levels [3][4]. Group 1 - Early-life exercise has been shown to extend healthspan but not lifespan in mice, with significant long-term health benefits observed from just three months of exercise during early life [4][6]. - The study highlights that early physical activity correlates positively with enhanced aerobic fitness, increased bone mineral density (BMD), and reduced risks of obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease in adulthood [6][7]. - The research indicates that early-life exercise leads to improved overall health in aging mice, enhancing metabolic function, cardiovascular health, and muscle strength while reducing inflammation and frailty [7][9]. Group 2 - The findings emphasize the importance of early-life physical activity interventions to optimize long-term health outcomes, suggesting that enhanced fatty acid metabolism in skeletal muscle may be a key mechanism behind these health benefits [9][10]. - Future research is necessary to explore the mechanisms by which early-life exercise impacts long-term health and to apply these findings to human populations [9].

Group 1 - The article discusses the importance of cancer screening in Japan, highlighting that one in two people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, emphasizing the need for regular check-ups [1][16] - It mentions that many cancers can be detected early through screening, with a cure rate exceeding 90% when treated early [5][6] - The article outlines the various cancer screening programs available in Kyoto City, detailing the cost reductions for residents aged 40 and above [9][10][11][12][13] Group 2 - The Japanese government has been proactive in promoting cancer screenings due to the high mortality rate from cancer, which has been the leading cause of death since 1981 [16][18] - The article explains the structure of cancer screening in Japan, which is largely funded by public resources, allowing residents to pay significantly lower fees [16][19] - Kyoto City has implemented a new "cancer package screening" initiative to encourage residents to undergo multiple screenings at once, addressing low participation rates [20][18] Group 3 - The article highlights the concept of "healthy life expectancy" in Japan, which focuses on the duration of life lived independently and healthily, rather than just lifespan [22][23] - It discusses the gap between average life expectancy and healthy life expectancy, indicating a need for government intervention to extend healthy living periods [23] - The article mentions the "Health Promotion Law" and its impact on public health initiatives, including cancer screening and lifestyle improvements [24][26] Group 4 - The article addresses the rising issue of underweight women in Japan, particularly among younger demographics, and the societal pressures contributing to this trend [30][31] - It notes the alarming statistics regarding the prevalence of low body weight among young women and the potential health risks associated with it [29][30] - The article concludes with a call for societal change to address the underlying issues of body image and health perceptions among women in Japan [35]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the potential of Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) as a therapeutic agent to improve metabolism and promote longevity, particularly in the context of obesity and aging-related metabolic issues [2][5]. Group 1: FGF21 and Aging - Approximately 35% of adults aged 65 and older in the U.S. are classified as obese, highlighting the need for therapies targeting age-related metabolic issues [2][5]. - FGF21 is primarily produced by the liver and acts as an endocrine hormone, responding to various cellular stressors, showing promise in treating metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [5][6]. Group 2: Research Findings - The study published in Cell Metabolism indicates that FGF21 promotes longevity in diet-induced obese mice through metabolic benefits independent of growth suppression [3][8]. - Overexpression of FGF21 in adult mice led to increased lifespan, improved insulin sensitivity, reduced liver fat degeneration, and lower levels of inflammatory immune cells in visceral fat tissue, even without the presence of adiponectin [6][8]. Group 3: Mechanisms of Action - FGF21 overexpression increases energy expenditure in high-fat diet-fed mice without affecting cold tolerance [8]. - The beneficial effects of FGF21 are primarily mediated through adipose tissue, suggesting its potential in treating metabolic syndrome and age-related diseases by promoting healthier metabolic states under dietary stress [9].