The art of walking backward; new obesity definition could label 70% of U.S. adults obese; 30 NFL players partner with AHA to promote CPR awareness – Morning Medical Update

The art of walking backward

Walking backward — also known as retro walking — may offer unique physical and cognitive benefits beyond a standard stroll, according to AP News. Janet Dufek, Ph.D., a biomechanist at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, says the movement strengthens underused muscles, enhances balance and provides a form of cross-training that can help prevent overuse injuries. Trainers also recommend backward walking on treadmills for safety, particularly for older adults. The exercise, which alters muscle engagement and gait mechanics, is increasingly used in rehabilitation for knee injuries and may improve flexibility and fall prevention.

New obesity definition could label 70% of U.S. adults obese

A JAMA Network Open study finds that nearly 70% of U.S. adults would meet criteria for obesity under a proposed new definition that goes beyond BMI to include waist measurements and body fat scans. Researchers from Mass General Brigham said the change captures people with normal BMIs but excess abdominal fat who face higher risks for metabolic disease. Lead author Lindsay Fourman, M.D., said the findings highlight the need for better obesity classification to guide prevention and treatment, though the new definition has not yet been adopted. The Guardian has more.

NFL players team with AHA to promote CPR awareness

Thirty NFL players are joining the American Heart Association’s (AHA’s) Nation of Lifesavers campaign to promote CPR training nationwide. Announced on World Restart a Heart Day, the 2025 ambassador class — featuring players like Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills, Denzel Ward of the Cleveland Browns and Creed Humphrey of the Kansas City Chiefs — will help raise awareness through public service announcements and community education events. The initiative was launched after Hamlin’s on-field cardiac arrest in 2023 and aims to double survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest by 2030. AHA notes that more than half of cardiac arrest victims don’t receive CPR, though learning Hands-Only CPR takes just 90 seconds and can double or triple survival chances. The full list of participating players can be found here.