Leisure time physical activity linked to lower depression risk

Being physically active three times a week reduces the odds of being depressed by approximately 16%, according to new UCL research undertaken as part of the Public Health Research Consortium. The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, found a two-way relationship between depression and physical activity. People who increased their weekly activity reported fewer depressive symptoms but those with more depressive symptoms were less active, particularly at younger ages. Researchers followed 11,135 people born in 1958 up until the age of 50, recording depressive symptoms and levels of physical activity at regular intervals in adulthood. They found that each additional activity session per week reduced odds of depression by 6%. In England 19% of men and 26% of women are currently classed as 'inactive', and this study suggests that activity could significantly improve their mental as well as physical health. "Assuming the association is causal, leisure time physical activity has a protective effect against depression.