Exercise has been shown to prompt a healthier metabolic state (Sharma et al., 2006) and aid in weight loss even without calorie restriction (Donnelly et al., 2013). Additionally, exercise has been shown to decrease cortisol. This hormone increases in response to short-term stress and suppresses the immune response to toxins or illnesses, such as a cold or flu virus (Nys et al., 2022).

Exercise can help people live happier and calmer lives (Dinas et al., 2010; Aylet et al., 2018), partially due to the release of beta-endorphins, which are naturally produced by the body and bind to the same receptors as synthetic opioids. This chemical messenger has pain-relieving effects and interacts with the dopamine system, linking it to feelings of reward (Sprouse-Blum et al., 2010).

One of my 16-year-old high school patients, "Aaron" (not his real name), told me that his exercise regimen for his varsity water polo and swim seasons included year-round weight training for roughly 2-3 hours a day for 5-6 days a........

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