Many people know that exercise is good for the body, but scientists are now learning more about how it also supports the mind.
A new large study suggests that having better physical fitness, especially heart and lung fitness, may lower the risk of several serious mental health conditions later in life.
Researchers from the University of Castilla-La Mancha and the Karolinska Institutet looked at many previous studies to better understand this connection. Instead of focusing only on physical activity, they studied something called cardiorespiratory fitness.
This refers to how well the heart and lungs work together to supply oxygen to the body during exercise. It is considered a more accurate way to measure overall fitness.
The research team reviewed 27 long-term studies that included more than 4 million people from around the world. All participants were free from mental health problems at the beginning of the studies. The researchers followed them over time to see who developed mental or brain-related conditions.
The results were clear and consistent. People with higher levels of fitness had a much lower risk of developing several conditions.
They were 36 percent less likely to develop depression, 39 percent less likely to develop dementia, and 29 percent less likely to develop psychotic disorders. There was also a lower risk of anxiety, although this result was not as strong as the others.
One interesting finding was that even small improvements in fitness could make a difference. The researchers measured fitness using a unit called MET, which reflects how much energy the body uses during activity.
They found that even a small increase in fitness, such as improving by one MET, was linked to a lower risk of depression and dementia. This means that people do not need to become athletes to benefit. Small changes, like regular walking or light exercise, may still help.
The study was published in Nature Mental Health. It brings together many years of research and provides strong evidence that fitness plays an important role in mental health.
The researchers believe that there are several reasons for this connection. Physical fitness may improve brain function, reduce inflammation, and help the body handle stress better. These factors are all important for maintaining mental health.
However, the study also has some limits. Most of the data came from middle-aged adults, so it is not yet clear if the same results apply to children or older adults. In addition, while the study shows a strong link, it does not prove that fitness directly causes better mental health. Other factors, such as diet, lifestyle, and social support, may also play a role.
In reviewing the findings, the study is very strong because it includes a large number of participants and combines many high-quality studies. This makes the results more reliable. However, more research is needed to understand how fitness affects the brain over time and whether improving fitness can directly prevent mental illness.
Overall, the research suggests that improving fitness is a simple and effective way to support both physical and mental health. Even small steps toward a more active lifestyle could have long-term benefits for the brain and overall well-being.
If you care about health, please read studies that scientists find a core feature of depression and this metal in the brain strongly linked to depression.
For more health information, please see recent studies about drug for mental health that may harm the brain, and results showing this therapy more effective than ketamine in treating severe depression.
Source: University of Castilla-La Mancha.
