Your weekly physical activity bulletin

05 August 2026

We are working towards improving the health and wellbeing of the nation through sport, exercise and physical activity. For more information on our work visit our website or follow us on X @NCSEM_PAnews

Public lecture - Dope and Glory: The disruption and legitimation of the Enhanced Games

This public lecture traces the emergence of the Enhanced Games, a controversial multi-sport event that openly embraces the use of performance-enhancing drugs. Drawing on first-hand observations from attending the inaugural games in Las Vegas and the latest empirical research, Dr Alex Thurston and Dr Mathew Dowling explore how this disruptive event is attempting to legitimise itself and normalise doping. They conclude by considering the broader implications of the Enhanced Games for the future of sport.

This public lecture will take place on 2nd November 2026 at midday and last approximately one hour. There will be an opportunity to ask questions. The talk will be delivered online via MS Teams. 

Public lecture - GLP-1s and Beyond: Are lifestyle interventions still relevant for weight management?

The arrival of highly effective GLP-1 medicines is changing the way we think about obesity and its treatment. With these medications producing unprecedented levels of weight loss, many are asking whether healthy eating, physical activity, and other lifestyle approaches are still as important as they once were.

This lecture will explore the latest scientific evidence behind these new treatments, examining both their impressive benefits and their limitations, including long-term effectiveness, side effects, accessibility, and cost. It will also consider the continuing importance of diet, physical activity, sleep, and behaviour change—not only for achieving and maintaining weight loss, but for improving overall health and reducing the risk of chronic disease.

This public lecture will take place on 19th January 2027 at midday and last approximately one hour. There will be an opportunity to ask questions. The talk will be delivered online via MS Teams. 

BHF invests in new UK Obesity Research Institute

A new research institute is set to transform our understanding of obesity, thanks to a £72 million investment from the Medical Research Council (MRC), in partnership with the British Heart Foundation.

The UK-ORI will be dedicated to tackling one of the UK’s most significant health challenges. The investment will focus on research into the impact of obesity on cardiovascular disease.

More than a 2k: How junior parkrun boosts children’s wellbeing

New figures show junior parkrun is supporting children’s wellbeing, with more than three-quarters feeling happier after taking part. The annual junior parkrun Health and Wellbeing survey is here, helping people better understand how junior parkrun impacts the lives of juniors and their families.

The survey, completed this year by nearly 1,400 families whose juniors had taken part in three or more events in the past year, is a great reminder of the benefits of junior parkrun on children’s wellbeing. 

The weekly physical activity bulletin in a summary of news stories that appear across the physical activity sector. The National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine is not responsible for the content of external sites.

You are receiving this email because you signed up to receive it either via the SSEHS Active website or the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine (East Midlands) website. Read our privacy policy.