Depression: Exercise decreases the chance of developing depression later in life
Exercise has mental health benefits and can help stave off depression
An international team of researchers, including experts from King's College London, also found that, compared to people with low levels of physical activity, those who were more active had less chance of developing depression in the future.
Dr Felipe Barreto Schuch, of the Universidade La Salle in Brazil, said: "This is the first global meta-analysis to establish that engaging in physical activity is beneficial for protecting the general population from developing depression.
"People who are more active have a lesser risk of developing depression.
"The evidence is clear - regardless of your age or where you live, physical activity can reduce the risk of having depression later in life."
In total 266,939 individuals were included in the data and 47 per cent were men.