About
Kenneth H. Cooper, MD, MPH founded Cooper Clinic in Dallas in 1970 and now serves as its Chairman. He earned his medical degree from The University of Oklahoma School of Medicine and his Master of Public Health from Harvard School of Public Health. He holds board certification in Preventive Medicine and has dedicated 66 years of his career to studying the links between cardiorespiratory fitness, health, and longevity.
Dr. Cooper introduced exercise science to a mainstream audience with his 1968 bestseller 'Aerobics,' a book that reframed physical activity as medicine. He worked with NASA to build a conditioning program for astronauts and trained the 1970 Brazilian soccer team on their path to World Cup victory. He played a central role in removing trans fats from American snack foods and championed legislation to restore physical education in Texas schools. He also chairs the Kenneth H. Cooper Institute. Now 95 years old, Dr. Cooper has run more than 38,000 miles in his lifetime and continues to advance preventive health through research and writing. His 20th book, 'Grow Healthier as You Grow Older,' published in June 2025. He lives in Dallas with his wife Millie.
Education & Training
Medical School
The University of Oklahoma School of Medicine
Additional Training
Harvard School of Public Health, Master of Public Health
Certifications
Who is Dr. Cooper right for?
Dr. Kenneth Cooper is the right fit for patients who want care grounded in decades of preventive medicine research. Adults focused on longevity, cardiovascular health, and fitness-based wellness benefit most from his approach. Patients who value a physician with an unmatched evidence base in exercise science and health outcomes will find his perspective distinctive. His work is especially relevant for those committed to proactive, lifelong health management.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Cooper specializes in Preventive Medicine and holds board certification in that specialty. His 66-year career has focused on the relationship between physical fitness, cardiorespiratory health, and longevity. He pioneered the research that established aerobic exercise as a cornerstone of preventive care.
Dr. Cooper founded the Cooper Center Longitudinal Study using consented patient data he began collecting in 1970. 2 million person-years of observation. It stands as the largest study in the world with directly measured fitness data.
Dr. Cooper earned his medical degree from The University of Oklahoma School of Medicine. He then completed a Master of Public Health at Harvard School of Public Health. His training spans both clinical medicine and population health research.
Dr. Cooper has authored 20 books on health and fitness. His first, 'Aerobics,' published in 1968 and introduced exercise science to a global audience. His most recent book, 'Grow Healthier as You Grow Older,' published in June 2025.
Dr. Cooper worked with NASA to develop a fitness program for astronauts and trained the 1970 Brazilian national soccer team. He helped remove trans fats from American snack foods and advocated for legislation restoring physical education in Texas schools. He also chairs the Kenneth H. Cooper Institute.
Yes. Dr. Cooper continues to serve as Founder and Chairman of Cooper Aerobics and Cooper Clinic. At 95, he remains engaged in preventive health research and writing. His most recent book published in 2025.
Doctor profile last updated June 9, 2026