Aerobic exercise such as running, swimming, or dancing can serve as a frontline treatment for mild depression and anxiety, researchers say. A major review published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that physical activity significantly reduced symptoms, especially in young adults and new mothers.
Scientists analysed 63 reviews covering nearly 80,000 people. Aerobic exercise that raised the heart rate showed the strongest effect on depression, while resistance training and yoga delivered smaller benefits. For anxiety, shorter and lower-intensity programmes appeared effective.
Group and supervised exercise produced greater improvements, suggesting social interaction plays a key role. The World Health Organization estimates that hundreds of millions worldwide live with depression or anxiety, with rising rates among young people and new mothers.
Experts caution that exercise works best for mild symptoms. Researchers at King’s College London and University College London stress that exercise should complement, not replace, established treatments such as therapy or medication in more severe cases.
