Talk by Kevin Williams, PhD, University of Texas, USA

Regular physical activity has profound effects on brain function, influencing cognition, mood, energy balance, and glucose metabolism. Recent studies highlight that exercise induces structural and functional changes in key metabolic circuits. These dynamic neural adaptations are associated with enhanced insulin sensitivity, appetite regulation, and improved systemic metabolism. While the precise mechanisms linking physical activity to brain-mediated metabolic benefits remain under investigation, emerging evidence suggests that key brain regions, including the hypothalamus, play a critical role in these adaptations. Understanding how exercise modulates neural activity and plasticity will provide insights into its therapeutic potential for metabolic and neurological disorders. In this presentation, I will discuss recent advances in our understanding of exercise-induced neuroplasticity, with a particular focus on hypothalamic circuits that regulate energy balance and glucose metabolism. I will highlight how exercise engages metabolically relevant neuron populations and explore how these changes contribute to improvements in metabolic health.