Best of: The future of exercise

Show notes

The World Cup is here, and while we watch some of the world's greatest athletes competing on a global stage, it's fascinating to consider what effect this intense activity may have on the human body. With that in mind, we're re-releasing our conversation with Stanford biochemist [https://profiles.stanford.edu/jonathan-long"]( Jonathan Long on the future of exercise. Jonathan studies the chemistry of what happens inside your body when you move, and his findings are pointing toward some genuinely surprising possibilities — including treatments for obesity, diabetes, and even, someday, an exercise pill. If the athleticism on the pitch has you feeling inspired, this one is well worth another listen. _Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to_ [_thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu_](mailto:thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu)_._ **Episode Reference Links:** - Stanford Profile: [https://profiles.stanford.edu/jonathan-long"]( Jonathan Long **Connect With Us:** - Episode Transcripts >>> [https://engineering.stanford.edu/magazine/collection/future-everything-podcast"]( The Future of Everything Website - Connect with Russ >>> [https://www.threads.net/@russbaltman"]( Threads / [https://bsky.app/profile/rbaltman.bsky.social"]( Bluesky / [https://mastodon.social/@rbaltman"]( Mastodon - Connect with School of Engineering >>> [https://twitter.com/stanfordENG"]( Twitter/X / [https://www.instagram.com/stanfordeng/"]( Instagram / [https://www.linkedin.com/school/stanford-university-school-of-engineering/posts/?feedView=all&viewAsMember=true"]( LinkedIn / [https://www.facebook.com/stanford.engineering/"]( Facebook **Chapters:** (00:00:00) **Introduction** Russ Altman introduces guest Jonathan Long, a professor of pathology from Stanford University. (00:02:02) **Effective Weight Loss Drugs** The history and development of GLP-1 receptor agonists. (00:04:04) **Understanding Metabolism and Exercise** Why Long’s lab starts with molecules to understand metabolism and physical activity. (00:05:10) **Animal Models in Exercise Studies** The use of animal models in exercise studies and the discovery of Lac-Phe. (00:06:47) **Psychological Preparation for Exercise** The psychological aspects of exercise and the involvement of endocannabinoids in exercise motivation. (00:09:00) **Lac-Phe's Role and Mechanism** The role of Lac-Phe and its production in the gut. (00:12:08) **Differences in Exercise Response** Differences in exercise response between trained athletes and untrained individuals. (00:12:57) **Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases** The relationship between diabetes, exercise, and metabolic diseases. (00:15:01) **Lac-Phe as a Potential Therapeutic** The potential of Lac-Phe as a weight loss drug, and parallels to GLP-1 drug development. (00:16:21) **Importance of How Weight is Lost** Whether the method of weight loss matters, and the importance of preserving lean muscle mass. (00:18:37) **Exercise as Medicine** The concept of exercise as medicine, and defining physical activity at the same resolution as modern medicines. (00:22:11) **Metformin and Exercise Pathways** The unexpected connection between metformin and the Lac-Phe pathway. (00:24:01) **Prospects of an Exercise Pill** The future of an exercise pill, and the challenges associated with its development. (00:27:05) **Conclusion** Final thoughts on the future of exercise. **Connect With Us:** Episode Transcripts >>> [The">https://engineering.stanford.edu/magazine/collection/future-everything-podcast">The]( >> [Threads]( https://www.threads.net/@russbaltman">Threads / [Bluesky]( https://bsky.app/profile/rbaltman.bsky.social">Bluesky / [Mastodon]( https://mastodon.social/@rbaltman">Mastodon Connect with School of Engineering >>>[Twitter/X]( https://twitter.com/stanfordENG">Twitter/X / [Instagram]( https://www.instagram.com/stanfordeng/">Instagram / [LinkedIn]( https://www.linkedin.com/school/stanford-university-school-of-engineering/posts/?feedView=all&viewAsMember=true">LinkedIn / [Facebook]( https://www.facebook.com/stanford.engineering/">Facebook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See [pcm.adswizz.com]( https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.