The vision of the Center is to make a national impact by reducing the human suffering that occurs when the body weakens and becomes diseased because of physical inactivity.

A number of researchers at the University of Missouri have observed much human suffering resulting from inactivity-related disorders. Moreover, we are even more unhappy that individuals are suffering without any idea that physical inactivity is a contributor to their suffering. Thus, we have dedicated ourselves to research and proactive programs that promote the reversal of unhealthy, sedentary living that is producing this tragic human suffering.

The Health Activity Center at the University of Missouri is dedicated to education and promotion and to ending the 35 inactivity-related disorders. The Center will use its large federally-based medical research to determine the biological basis of how physical inactivity makes the body susceptible to chronic disease and disorders such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, hypertension, physical frailty, cancer, and arthritis. As companion animals have some of the same inactivity-induced disorders, comparative medicine and human-animal bonding experiments will also be performed.