Yahoo Lifestyle Exercise can reduce your depression risk by 60%
Regular exercise are almost 60% less likely to suffer from depression. Photo: Getty
Does exercise give you a little mood boost?
Here’s why: new research has discovered the chances of becoming depressed are 60% lower if you’re a regular exerciser.
And here’s the kicker: exercise brings the same benefits regardless of how much you weigh, research published in the American Journal of Epidemiology has found.
More: 6 reasons why morning walks give you an edge
The study of 12,500 men and women looked at BMI, however because it doesn’t accurately reflect fitness, researchers measured waist circumference, total body fat percentage and then the participants completed a treadmill fitness test. For women in their 40s, being fit was determined by being able to go for more than 9 minutes and a moderate intensity.
When the fitness results were matched with responses in mental health questionnaires, researchers found that women in the lowest fitness category were 59% more likely to be depressed than those who were considered the fittest.
Gallery: Yoga for weight loss
The most alarming results were when weight and fitness levels were combined. Women who were sedentary and overweight were 15% more likely to be depressed than active women with a healthy weight.
“We’re not sure what causes the link between fitness and depression,” said study author Xuemei Sui. However, previous research has found that exercise not only boosts self-esteem, regular physical exercise increases serotonin and dopamine levels to reduce stress.
