Exercise Doesn’t Fight Depression Says New Study

Working out like crazy will not fend off depression as recently thought, that’s the outcome from a recent study published in the British Medical Journal. 

Researchers studied 361 patients, some who were given boosts in their activity levels in addition to anti-depressants and therapy sessions. After a full year researchers found no difference in the depression levels of exercise and non-exercise groups.

The study was conducted by Europe’s National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) who in 2004 recommended that “mild” depression sufferers work out for at least three exercise sessions per week.

Researchers gave some general guideline advice for potential workouts but ultimately left the decision on how to get exercise to their test subjects. The study also examined people who were already on medication and receiving help from therapists.

Prof Alan Maryon-Davis, professor of public health, King’s College London warned BBC subcribers to not read to much into the outcome of the study:

“The message mustn’t be to stop exercising. Exercise has so many other benefits – it is good in terms of heart disease, lowers blood pressure, has a beneficial effect on the balance of fats in the blood, strengthens muscles, and burns up calories. A lot of people who have depression may have other problems too. And an active body helps to produce a healthy mind.”

Researchers found that depression suffers often felt a “buzz” of excitement after completing an exercise routine but that feeling was not sustained over the long-term.

At the same time depression sufferers with failing health may feel a bit better about their situation when exercise makes them feel healthier and ultimately stronger.