New evidence that physical activity can lower depression risk

A new study adds to evidence that physical activity can help prevent depression.

While previous evidence shows that physical activity is linked with reduced risk for depression, it has not established a clear causal relationship.

Led by Karmel Choi, a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the study analyzed a large amount of genetic data and identified robust evidence of a protective relationship between physical activity and the risk of depression.

“Our study looked at physical activity as a way to prevent depression,” said Choi in a January 24, 2019 Psychology Today article. “But the good news from other research is that even if you are already feeling depressed, physical activity helps too…. I would say: Start somewhere—remember that something is better than nothing at all.”

Read the Psychology Today article: More Evidence That Physical Activity Keeps Depression at Bay