2022/04/25 Physical Activity is Effective Prevention and Treatment for Depression

Depression is a major cause of suicide and other mental and physical health problems, affecting 5% of the population globally. Moreover, a 2015 meta-analysis estimated that every year, 14.3% of global deaths, approximately 8 million deaths, can be linked to mental disorders. Reporting in JAMA Psychiatry, researchers found that those who are physically active have a lower risk of depression than those who do not exercise at all. A team led by researchers from the Cambridge University School of Clinical Medicine in England conducted an analysis of 15 studies comprising 191,130 adults to investigate the link between depression and exercise and to assess the level of activity necessary to reduce the risk of depression. They found that accumulating an activity equivalent to 2.5 hours/week of brisk walking was associated with a 25% lower risk of depression and that achieving half of this level, reduced the risk by 18% compared with those who undertook no physical activity. They concluded that substantial mental health benefits accrue from the achievement of physical activity levels even below those currently recommended.

Pearce, Matthew, et al. "Association Between Physical Activity and Risk of Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis." JAMA psychiatry (2022).