“Engaging in Physical Activity Could Prevent Depression and Anxiety, Study Finds”

According to a recent study by Griffith University, engaging in physical activity for up to 150 minutes per week could prevent 185,000 new cases of anxiety and 1.1 million episodes of depression. The researchers found a causal link between physical activity and mental health, providing empirical support for the consideration of physical activity in strategies for prevention of mental ill health. The study also suggests that a lack of physical activity likely causes depression and anxiety, emphasizing the need for policies that facilitate and advocate for more physical activity. The findings highlight the true burden of physical inactivity and its impact on both individuals and global healthcare systems. The study is published in the journal AJPM Focus. For more information, refer to Mary Njeri Wanjau et al’s article “Physical Activity and Depression and Anxiety Disorders: A Systematic Review of Reviews and Assessment of Causality” (DOI: 10.1016/j.focus.2023.100074).