Moderate exercise not only treats depression but also prevents disease

Physical activity is largely recognized as an effective tool to treat depression, but a new study has revealed that moderate exercise can actually prevent episodes of depression in the long term.

George Mammen, who was supervised by Professor Guy Faulkner, a co-author of the review, analyzed over 26 years' worth of research findings to discover that even low levels of physical activity (walking and gardening for 20-30 minutes a day) can ward off depression in people of all age groups.

The findings come at a time when mental health experts want to expand their approach beyond treating depression with costly prescription medication.

Mammen acknowledges that other factors influence a person's likelihood of experiencing depression, including their genetic makeup.

The study is published in American Journal of Preventive Medicine.