Study Finds Physical Activity Reduces Depression Risk in Youth

A recent longitudinal study has demonstrated that increasing physical activity during adolescence significantly lowers the likelihood of developing depressive symptoms. Researchers followed a large cohort from childhood into young adulthood, utilizing accelerometers to objectively measure activity levels and clinical interviews to assess mental health. The findings revealed that adolescents who became more physically active starting around age 14 showed a reduced risk of depression later on, whereas decreased activity correlated with higher depression symptoms, especially between ages 10 and 16. Interestingly, no link was found between sedentary behavior and depression, nor were there differences based on gender. The study emphasizes that promoting physical activity among teenagers could be a vital strategy in mental health prevention. The research, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, underscores that fostering a habit of regular movement during critical developmental years may act as a protective factor against depression.