Exercise And Risk Of Depression

The Study

Recent evidence suggests that cardiovascular exercise is associated with a reduced risk of depression. In this interesting study, 4,016 subjects from the Irish Longitudinal Study On Aging cohort had their physical activity and levels of depression measured for 10 years.

By the end of follow-up, subjects who completed 400-600 METS per week had a 43% lower odds of depression.

JAMA Network Open 2023; 6:e2322489

Take Home Message

Since one minute of brisk walking is equal to 4 METS, the level of exercise found to reduce the odds of depression in this study is equivalent to only 100 minutes of brisk walking per week.

Cardiovascular exercise is not just important for our physical health, but our mental health as well. Do your very best to make it a priority in your life.