Scott Lear, PhD
@drscottlear.bsky.social
Professor at Simon Fraser University in the use of healthy behaviours to prevent and treat disease. Lived experience with depression and heart disease. Active in #scicomm through my blog (www.drscottlear.com) and podcast How to Health.
Weight is probably one of the most measured metrics in healthcare yet it doesn't tell much about your health.
In this blog I discuss how health and weight relate to each other, being healthy at different weights and why weight fails us in terms of health.
drscottlear.com/2025/11/05/y...
In this blog I discuss how health and weight relate to each other, being healthy at different weights and why weight fails us in terms of health.
drscottlear.com/2025/11/05/y...
Your Weight is not a Measure of Your Health - Become your healthiest you
We’re a society obsessed with weight. It’s no wonder the weight loss industry was estimated to be worth $142.6 billion in 2022. And it’s expected to more than double by 2030. This isn’t surprising whe...
drscottlear.com
November 5, 2025 at 10:31 PM
Weight is probably one of the most measured metrics in healthcare yet it doesn't tell much about your health.
In this blog I discuss how health and weight relate to each other, being healthy at different weights and why weight fails us in terms of health.
drscottlear.com/2025/11/05/y...
In this blog I discuss how health and weight relate to each other, being healthy at different weights and why weight fails us in terms of health.
drscottlear.com/2025/11/05/y...
Reposted by Scott Lear, PhD
We spend hours sitting and it’s taking a toll on our health. Prolonged sitting raises risks for diabetes, heart disease, and more.
@drscottlear.bsky.social shares how “exercise snacks” can boost energy, metabolism, and focus. open.spotify.com/episode/1Wrc...
@drscottlear.bsky.social shares how “exercise snacks” can boost energy, metabolism, and focus. open.spotify.com/episode/1Wrc...
November 3, 2025 at 11:24 PM
We spend hours sitting and it’s taking a toll on our health. Prolonged sitting raises risks for diabetes, heart disease, and more.
@drscottlear.bsky.social shares how “exercise snacks” can boost energy, metabolism, and focus. open.spotify.com/episode/1Wrc...
@drscottlear.bsky.social shares how “exercise snacks” can boost energy, metabolism, and focus. open.spotify.com/episode/1Wrc...
Today is World Smile Day! A day devoted to smiling and acts of kindness.
Smiling can make both you and everyone around you happy. Let's see how many smiles we can give!
drscottlear.com/2019/12/11/t...
Smiling can make both you and everyone around you happy. Let's see how many smiles we can give!
drscottlear.com/2019/12/11/t...
The Science Behind Smiling - Become your healthiest you
The smile. A simple gesture that has so much power to make you feel better and lift the mood of those around you. And we should be doing more of it.
drscottlear.com
October 3, 2025 at 5:54 PM
Today is World Smile Day! A day devoted to smiling and acts of kindness.
Smiling can make both you and everyone around you happy. Let's see how many smiles we can give!
drscottlear.com/2019/12/11/t...
Smiling can make both you and everyone around you happy. Let's see how many smiles we can give!
drscottlear.com/2019/12/11/t...
Getting in your exercise doesn't have to be going to the gym, running, swimming, etc. It can be anything that gets your heart and breathing rate up
In this blog I discuss how much exercise is recommended, the value of different activities and what counts as exercise.
drscottlear.com/2025/10/01/w...
In this blog I discuss how much exercise is recommended, the value of different activities and what counts as exercise.
drscottlear.com/2025/10/01/w...
What counts as exercise? - Become your healthiest you
We all know exercise is good for us, but not all of us want to sweat it out in a gym. Thankfully, there's a whole bunch of activities that count as exercise.
drscottlear.com
October 1, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Getting in your exercise doesn't have to be going to the gym, running, swimming, etc. It can be anything that gets your heart and breathing rate up
In this blog I discuss how much exercise is recommended, the value of different activities and what counts as exercise.
drscottlear.com/2025/10/01/w...
In this blog I discuss how much exercise is recommended, the value of different activities and what counts as exercise.
drscottlear.com/2025/10/01/w...
Exercise snacks are a great way to get in your daily activity.
Just 2-3 minutes of moderate-vigorous activity such as climbing stairs, squats, jumping jacks, etc. a 5-10 times per day, and you'll get in your daily activity.
#MondayMotivation
Just 2-3 minutes of moderate-vigorous activity such as climbing stairs, squats, jumping jacks, etc. a 5-10 times per day, and you'll get in your daily activity.
#MondayMotivation
September 29, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Exercise snacks are a great way to get in your daily activity.
Just 2-3 minutes of moderate-vigorous activity such as climbing stairs, squats, jumping jacks, etc. a 5-10 times per day, and you'll get in your daily activity.
#MondayMotivation
Just 2-3 minutes of moderate-vigorous activity such as climbing stairs, squats, jumping jacks, etc. a 5-10 times per day, and you'll get in your daily activity.
#MondayMotivation
No matter how good someone is at something now, they started from a point of not being good at the beginning.
September 24, 2025 at 9:24 PM
No matter how good someone is at something now, they started from a point of not being good at the beginning.
What does being healthy mean to you?
Is it how you feel, having no diseases, your weight?
drscottlear.com/2025/06/04/w...
Is it how you feel, having no diseases, your weight?
drscottlear.com/2025/06/04/w...
What does it mean to be healthy? - Become your healthiest you
We can’t go anywhere without hearing or seeing messages telling us to be healthier. Social media is flooded with fitness and diet influencers. And magazines fill check-out counters with covers screami...
drscottlear.com
September 17, 2025 at 6:29 PM
What does being healthy mean to you?
Is it how you feel, having no diseases, your weight?
drscottlear.com/2025/06/04/w...
Is it how you feel, having no diseases, your weight?
drscottlear.com/2025/06/04/w...
Two truths and a lie Tuesday.
Spot the lie:
1. The average person only gets half the recommended amount of dietary potassium.
2. Exercise provides no benefit to your mood.
3. Social jetlag is when you change your sleep patterns on the weekend.
Spot the lie:
1. The average person only gets half the recommended amount of dietary potassium.
2. Exercise provides no benefit to your mood.
3. Social jetlag is when you change your sleep patterns on the weekend.
September 16, 2025 at 11:01 PM
Two truths and a lie Tuesday.
Spot the lie:
1. The average person only gets half the recommended amount of dietary potassium.
2. Exercise provides no benefit to your mood.
3. Social jetlag is when you change your sleep patterns on the weekend.
Spot the lie:
1. The average person only gets half the recommended amount of dietary potassium.
2. Exercise provides no benefit to your mood.
3. Social jetlag is when you change your sleep patterns on the weekend.
If weight loss was easy, there wouldn't be:
⭐️ Weight loss drugs
⭐️ A disease called obesity
⭐️ Half the population overweight
⭐️ Influencers peddling shady programs
⭐️ Magazines with the latest celebrity fad
⭐️ A >$200 billion weight loss industry
⭐️ Weight loss drugs
⭐️ A disease called obesity
⭐️ Half the population overweight
⭐️ Influencers peddling shady programs
⭐️ Magazines with the latest celebrity fad
⭐️ A >$200 billion weight loss industry
September 15, 2025 at 7:25 PM
If weight loss was easy, there wouldn't be:
⭐️ Weight loss drugs
⭐️ A disease called obesity
⭐️ Half the population overweight
⭐️ Influencers peddling shady programs
⭐️ Magazines with the latest celebrity fad
⭐️ A >$200 billion weight loss industry
⭐️ Weight loss drugs
⭐️ A disease called obesity
⭐️ Half the population overweight
⭐️ Influencers peddling shady programs
⭐️ Magazines with the latest celebrity fad
⭐️ A >$200 billion weight loss industry
Motivation can get you started, but motivation can ebb and flow. It's discipline and consistency keep you going when motivation isn't there.
#MondayMotivation
#MondayMotivation
September 15, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Motivation can get you started, but motivation can ebb and flow. It's discipline and consistency keep you going when motivation isn't there.
#MondayMotivation
#MondayMotivation
It's International Sudoku Day!
Puzzles and games are associated with preventing cognitive decline and being less likely to get dementia.
Puzzles and games are associated with preventing cognitive decline and being less likely to get dementia.
September 9, 2025 at 1:29 PM
It's International Sudoku Day!
Puzzles and games are associated with preventing cognitive decline and being less likely to get dementia.
Puzzles and games are associated with preventing cognitive decline and being less likely to get dementia.
I've stopped watching @NHL as all it is, is one big casino advertisement with a bit of hockey thrown in.
This is a serious issue, as many of my son's friends in high school use online sports betting. Let's ban sports betting advertisements. #publichealth
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/article...
This is a serious issue, as many of my son's friends in high school use online sports betting. Let's ban sports betting advertisements. #publichealth
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/article...
Doctors call for restrictions on sports betting ads, say they set youth up for problem gambling
Canadian Medical Association Journal editorial says the legalization of online gambling has made every smartphone a potential betting platform
www.theglobeandmail.com
September 8, 2025 at 9:02 PM
I've stopped watching @NHL as all it is, is one big casino advertisement with a bit of hockey thrown in.
This is a serious issue, as many of my son's friends in high school use online sports betting. Let's ban sports betting advertisements. #publichealth
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/article...
This is a serious issue, as many of my son's friends in high school use online sports betting. Let's ban sports betting advertisements. #publichealth
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/article...
Five immediate benefits of #exercise (science-backed):
⭐️make you happy
⭐️give you a burst of energy
⭐️improve creativity
⭐️increase productivity
⭐️help your metabolism
#MondayMotivation
⭐️make you happy
⭐️give you a burst of energy
⭐️improve creativity
⭐️increase productivity
⭐️help your metabolism
#MondayMotivation
September 8, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Five immediate benefits of #exercise (science-backed):
⭐️make you happy
⭐️give you a burst of energy
⭐️improve creativity
⭐️increase productivity
⭐️help your metabolism
#MondayMotivation
⭐️make you happy
⭐️give you a burst of energy
⭐️improve creativity
⭐️increase productivity
⭐️help your metabolism
#MondayMotivation
It's kind of a contradiction to say not to trust the experts when the dictionary defines an expert as a person who has a comprehensive and authoritative knowledge of or skill in a particular area.
So then who should we trust? The people with no knowledge??🥴
So then who should we trust? The people with no knowledge??🥴
September 5, 2025 at 4:41 PM
It's kind of a contradiction to say not to trust the experts when the dictionary defines an expert as a person who has a comprehensive and authoritative knowledge of or skill in a particular area.
So then who should we trust? The people with no knowledge??🥴
So then who should we trust? The people with no knowledge??🥴
A big reason people give for not exercising is no time. While it's great to get in a 30+ min workout all at once, do you need to?
In this blog I discuss the evidence supporting smaller exercise session, multiple vs one per day and the weekend warrior.
drscottlear.com/2023/06/01/i...
In this blog I discuss the evidence supporting smaller exercise session, multiple vs one per day and the weekend warrior.
drscottlear.com/2023/06/01/i...
Is it better to exercise all at once? - Become your healthiest you
Crunched for time and not able to get your full exercise session done? Can you make do with doing less? What about splitting it up into smaller sessions a few times throughout the day? Or do you put it off for another day and do extra to make up for it? You’re not alone. This […]
drscottlear.com
September 3, 2025 at 7:10 PM
A big reason people give for not exercising is no time. While it's great to get in a 30+ min workout all at once, do you need to?
In this blog I discuss the evidence supporting smaller exercise session, multiple vs one per day and the weekend warrior.
drscottlear.com/2023/06/01/i...
In this blog I discuss the evidence supporting smaller exercise session, multiple vs one per day and the weekend warrior.
drscottlear.com/2023/06/01/i...
To start off our 4th season of our How to Health podcast, we're doing something different.
In this episode we're talking about how our very own Scott Lear about his activity, nutrition & sleep routines and how important socializing is to mental health. #publichealth
open.spotify.com/episode/7EjC...
In this episode we're talking about how our very own Scott Lear about his activity, nutrition & sleep routines and how important socializing is to mental health. #publichealth
open.spotify.com/episode/7EjC...
How Scott Stays Healthy
open.spotify.com
September 2, 2025 at 7:31 PM
To start off our 4th season of our How to Health podcast, we're doing something different.
In this episode we're talking about how our very own Scott Lear about his activity, nutrition & sleep routines and how important socializing is to mental health. #publichealth
open.spotify.com/episode/7EjC...
In this episode we're talking about how our very own Scott Lear about his activity, nutrition & sleep routines and how important socializing is to mental health. #publichealth
open.spotify.com/episode/7EjC...
Old Wives' Tales have been with us for centuries and may be the first type of misinformation. But is there a kernel of truth in some of them?
In this blog, I fact-check four common Wives' Tales as they relate to health.
What are some Wives' Tales you grew up with?
drscottlear.com/2025/08/22/o...
In this blog, I fact-check four common Wives' Tales as they relate to health.
What are some Wives' Tales you grew up with?
drscottlear.com/2025/08/22/o...
Old Wives' Tales: Fact or Fiction - Become your healthiest you
Old Wives’ Tales have been around for centuries. These are claims or sayings are meant to promote a specific behaviour, such as eating carrots to improve eyesight. And they often have a long history o...
drscottlear.com
August 25, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Old Wives' Tales have been with us for centuries and may be the first type of misinformation. But is there a kernel of truth in some of them?
In this blog, I fact-check four common Wives' Tales as they relate to health.
What are some Wives' Tales you grew up with?
drscottlear.com/2025/08/22/o...
In this blog, I fact-check four common Wives' Tales as they relate to health.
What are some Wives' Tales you grew up with?
drscottlear.com/2025/08/22/o...
Whether you're 8 or 58, recess (and activity) improves learning, creativity and productivity.
Are you giving yourself 'recess' today?
theconversation.com/our-kids-rec...
Are you giving yourself 'recess' today?
theconversation.com/our-kids-rec...
Our kids’ recess at school is essential to well-being and learning — and shouldn’t be scaled back
Time to play, move, connect with peers and breathe is a vital part of learning and essential to academic motivation.
theconversation.com
August 20, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Whether you're 8 or 58, recess (and activity) improves learning, creativity and productivity.
Are you giving yourself 'recess' today?
theconversation.com/our-kids-rec...
Are you giving yourself 'recess' today?
theconversation.com/our-kids-rec...
Reposted by Scott Lear, PhD
It was awesome collaborating with @tomflood.bsky.social on this project. So cool to see this up!
August 20, 2025 at 3:23 PM
It was awesome collaborating with @tomflood.bsky.social on this project. So cool to see this up!
1/2 Daily physical activity can (instantly!) improve the way you think.
Small study found that activity was associated with improved cognitive ability equivalent to reversing 4 years of aging:
academic.oup.com/abm/article-...
#exercise #health #fitness
Small study found that activity was associated with improved cognitive ability equivalent to reversing 4 years of aging:
academic.oup.com/abm/article-...
#exercise #health #fitness
August 19, 2025 at 1:16 PM
1/2 Daily physical activity can (instantly!) improve the way you think.
Small study found that activity was associated with improved cognitive ability equivalent to reversing 4 years of aging:
academic.oup.com/abm/article-...
#exercise #health #fitness
Small study found that activity was associated with improved cognitive ability equivalent to reversing 4 years of aging:
academic.oup.com/abm/article-...
#exercise #health #fitness
Muscle and strength facts:
⭐️peak muscle mass occurs around 30 years
⭐️with age the body is less efficient at absorbing protein
⭐️age-related decline in muscle mostly due to insufficient protein intake & reduced activity
⭐️strength training at any age is beneficial
drscottlear.com/2021/10/27/w...
⭐️peak muscle mass occurs around 30 years
⭐️with age the body is less efficient at absorbing protein
⭐️age-related decline in muscle mostly due to insufficient protein intake & reduced activity
⭐️strength training at any age is beneficial
drscottlear.com/2021/10/27/w...
Why Strength Training is a Must as We Get Older - Become your healthiest you
While strength training may seem like an exercise for the young, it is essential to maintain strength as one ages to prevent disease and continue independent living.
drscottlear.com
August 15, 2025 at 9:35 PM
Muscle and strength facts:
⭐️peak muscle mass occurs around 30 years
⭐️with age the body is less efficient at absorbing protein
⭐️age-related decline in muscle mostly due to insufficient protein intake & reduced activity
⭐️strength training at any age is beneficial
drscottlear.com/2021/10/27/w...
⭐️peak muscle mass occurs around 30 years
⭐️with age the body is less efficient at absorbing protein
⭐️age-related decline in muscle mostly due to insufficient protein intake & reduced activity
⭐️strength training at any age is beneficial
drscottlear.com/2021/10/27/w...
Spot the lie!
Here are two truths and a lie about exercise:
1. you need >20 minutes of exercise to be worth it
2. you can start strength training at any age
3. regular exercise can improve your memory
#health
Here are two truths and a lie about exercise:
1. you need >20 minutes of exercise to be worth it
2. you can start strength training at any age
3. regular exercise can improve your memory
#health
August 12, 2025 at 10:45 PM
Spot the lie!
Here are two truths and a lie about exercise:
1. you need >20 minutes of exercise to be worth it
2. you can start strength training at any age
3. regular exercise can improve your memory
#health
Here are two truths and a lie about exercise:
1. you need >20 minutes of exercise to be worth it
2. you can start strength training at any age
3. regular exercise can improve your memory
#health
Yes, you can (and should), sleep on that problem.
Sleep resets your brain and improves memory, creativity and decision-making, giving you more clarity for solving problems.
time.com/7308247/slee...
Sleep resets your brain and improves memory, creativity and decision-making, giving you more clarity for solving problems.
time.com/7308247/slee...
Does sleeping on a problem really work?
Your brain does more than dream at night. It also analyzes, organizes, and solves problems.
time.com
August 8, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Yes, you can (and should), sleep on that problem.
Sleep resets your brain and improves memory, creativity and decision-making, giving you more clarity for solving problems.
time.com/7308247/slee...
Sleep resets your brain and improves memory, creativity and decision-making, giving you more clarity for solving problems.
time.com/7308247/slee...
What are some old wives' tales you grew up (whether valid or not)?
August 6, 2025 at 10:25 PM
What are some old wives' tales you grew up (whether valid or not)?
The path to more activity? Go to bed earlier.
Over the course of one year, when people slept earlier, their activity the next day was higher.
@PNASNews: www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1...
#exercise #sleep #publichealth
Over the course of one year, when people slept earlier, their activity the next day was higher.
@PNASNews: www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1...
#exercise #sleep #publichealth
August 5, 2025 at 11:48 PM
The path to more activity? Go to bed earlier.
Over the course of one year, when people slept earlier, their activity the next day was higher.
@PNASNews: www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1...
#exercise #sleep #publichealth
Over the course of one year, when people slept earlier, their activity the next day was higher.
@PNASNews: www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1...
#exercise #sleep #publichealth