Professor Robin Daly1
1Chair in Exercise and Ageing within the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition at Deakin University, Melbourne
Biography:
Professor Robin Daly, PhD, FASMF, FASBMR, holds the position of Chair in Exercise and Ageing within the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition at Deakin University, Melbourne. He is internationally recognised for leading clinical trials and translational research on exercise and nutritional strategies to prevent and manage chronic diseases, including osteoporosis, sarcopenia, falls/fractures, certain types of cancer, and type 2 diabetes. His research also focuses on optimising health outcomes for women during midlife and menopause. His work has led to the implementation of community and telehealth-based exercise programs and nutritional products to optimise musculoskeletal health. He has published 3 books, >300 peer-reviewed papers and secured >$24M in research funding. He is a Past-President of the Australian and New Zealand Society for Sarcopenia and Frailty Research, co-chair of the European Geriatric Medicine Society sarcopenia special interest group, and a member of the medical and scientific advisory committee of Healthy Bones Australia.
Abstract:
Lifestyle interventions, including physical activity, exercise training, healthy eating, and weight management, are widely recommended as first-line approaches to support women’s midlife health and reduce the risk of chronic disease during and after the menopause transition. However, not all lifestyle approaches are equally effective, and some commonly promoted approaches are supported by limited evidence. This presentation will critically evaluate the current evidence and provide practical recommendations on which lifestyle interventions, including different types and doses of physical activity and exercise, and nutritional strategies are most effective for weight management, improving cardiometabolic and cardiovascular health, optimising fitness, muscle and bone health, and cognitive function and managing menopause symptoms. It will also highlight areas where claims exceed the available evidence. The goal is to move beyond “one-size-fits-all” advice and provide clear, evidence-based guidance for prescribing lifestyle interventions that will optimise health outcomes while accounting for each women’s health status, risk profile, goals, and preferences.