A new study finds people who take at least 5,000 steps a day experience fewer symptoms of depression.
Counting your daily steps isn’t only a great way to protect your heart health.
A new study finds people who take at least 5,000 steps a day experience fewer symptoms of depression and the benefit appears to increase along with the number of steps you log.
Researchers analyzed data from 33 previous investigations that included more than 97,000 adults in 13 countries. Participants used accelerometers, pedometers or smartphones to track their steps and reported on their mental health.
Reaching 5,000 steps a day was associated with fewer depressive symptoms — which can include feelings of sadness, anxiety, social withdrawal, irritability, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite and tiredness.
In addition, step counts above 7,500 lowered the prevalence of depression by 42%, according to the results.
The authors say while more study is needed, their findings suggest step count recommendations should cover health outcomes beyond heart disease.
Source: JAMA Network Open
Author Affiliations: Universidad de Castilla-LaMancha, Universidad de la República, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, RICAPPS, Universidad de Las Américas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile
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