# Even Moderate Exercise Can Win Back Years Lost to Multiple Diseases

*Trends in multimorbidity among US adults and the correlation between physical activity and mortality: Prospective cohort study from 1999 to 2018.*

- **Evidence Level**: Moderate
- **Publication Types**: Journal Article
- **Journal**: Medicine
- **Sample Size**: 39,940 US adults (average age 47)
- **Authors**: Yu D, Shi Y, Fu H, Liu T, Wang Y, Cheng X, Cheng T, Wang S
- **Published**: 2026-07-03
- **Topics**: exercise, longevity, chronic disease
- **DOI**: https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000049564
- **Original Source**: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42410795/

## Summary

Having several chronic conditions at once can shave more than 5 years off your life. But staying active buys some of that time back, up to 2.3 years on average. In this large US study, moderate exercise cut the risk of dying by about a fifth compared to being barely active. Women recovered slightly more lost years than men.

## Practical Takeaway

This study suggests regular moderate activity may help offset the toll of multiple chronic conditions.

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_Canonical: https://longevity-switzerland.com/en/research/even-moderate-exercise-can-win-back-years-lost-to-multiple-diseases · Part of Longevity Cities · Updated 2026-07-03_