Exercising decreases your chance of developing depression, regardless of your age
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Physical activity can protect you against depression regardless of your age, according to a new study.
Scientists from King’s College London analysed data from 49 studies involving a total of 266,939 people, to assess whether exercise is linked to a reduced risk of developing depression.
Their analysis revealed that people who regularly exercised had lower odds of developing depression than those who did little activity.
This was the case for youths, adults and even elderly participants - showing the benefits of exercise for all age groups.
(Image: Getty)
Dr Brendon Stubbs, co-author of the study, said: “We found that higher levels of physical activity were protective from future depression in children, adults and older adults, across every continent and after taking into account other important factors such as body mass index, smoking and physical health conditions.
“Given the multitude of other health benefits of physical activity, our data add to the pressing calls to prioritise physical activity across the lifespan.”
The researchers now hope to carry out further studies to understand the effects of different types of activity and 'dosages' on subsequent risk for depression.
Dr Simon Rosenbaum, co-author of the study, added: “The challenge ahead is ensuring that this overwhelming evidence is translated into meaningful policy change that creates environments and opportunities to help everyone, including vulnerable members of our society, engage in physical activity.”