Around 280 million people worldwide suffer from depression. Many of them turn to therapy or antidepressant medications for help.
But a new review from researchers at the University of Lancashire in the UK suggests there may be another option—exercise. And it could be not only more affordable, but also make people physically healthier and stronger.
The researchers analyzed 73 randomized controlled trials involving around 5,000 patients with depression. Their findings show that moderate-intensity exercise can reduce symptoms of depression just as well as therapy.
This type of exercise includes activities like brisk walking, jogging, strength training, and yoga. However, the best level of exercise depends on each person’s fitness level.
“Exercise appears to be a safe and accessible option for managing symptoms of depression,” said lead researcher Andrew Clegg. “It works well for some people, but not for everyone.” He added that it’s important to find types of exercise that people enjoy and can stick to in the long term.
The mental health benefits of exercise are already well known. In recent years, more doctors and mental health professionals have encouraged walking, running, yoga, or weight training as part of depression treatment. These forms of physical activity help improve mood, reduce anxiety, and boost self-esteem.
What about exercise compared to antidepressant medication? The study found that exercise had a similar effect to antidepressants in reducing depressive symptoms.
While this doesn’t mean people should stop taking their medication without medical advice, it does suggest that physical activity may be a valuable option—especially for those who don’t want or can’t take medications.
Not everyone with depression chooses therapy or drugs. Some people prefer to manage their condition on their own. For these individuals, regular exercise may offer an effective alternative. The researchers found that people who exercised had a moderate improvement in symptoms compared to people who received no treatment.
The results of this study were published in January by the Cochrane Review, a respected source of evidence-based medical research.
However, one important note is that we still don’t know how long the benefits of exercise last. The researchers said that more data is needed to understand whether exercise continues to be helpful over the long term.
In summary, this study adds to growing evidence that working out may be just as effective as traditional depression treatments for some people. It’s not a cure-all, and it won’t replace therapy or medication for everyone. But it’s a powerful tool that can improve both mental and physical health—and one that many people can start using right away.
If you care about depression, please read studies about how dairy foods may influence depression risk, and B vitamins could help prevent depression and anxiety.
For more information about mental health, please see recent studies that ultra-processed foods may make you feel depressed, and extra-virgin olive oil could reduce depression symptoms.
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