The Unexpected Fringe Benefit of Exercise

"I hate to admit it, but Steve was right. Years ago, I directed a hospital-based weight-loss program. In addition to the nutritional advice from the hospital dietitian and the psychology groups and individual counseling sessions I provided, the program included a beginning aerobic class for the participants. Steve, a personal trainer at the hospital-owned gym, was tasked with leading the twice-weekly "aerobics for beginners" class."

"A paper in the British journal, BMJ, reviewed 218 studies that included over 14,000 participants. They found that, compared with control subjects, walking or jogging, yoga, strength training, mixed aerobic activities, and tai chi or qigong were associated with moderate reductions in depression. The reviewers noted that the effects on mood were proportional to the intensity of the activity; a short walk or light yoga session might not have much practical effect."

A review of 218 studies with over 14,000 participants found that walking, jogging, yoga, strength training, mixed aerobic activities, and tai chi or qigong were associated with moderate reductions in depression. Mood improvements were proportional to activity intensity; brief or very light sessions may have minimal effect. Exercise produced benefits across different degrees of depression. Hospital-based weight-loss programs that combine nutritional advice, psychological counseling, and beginner aerobic classes can address both eating behaviors and emotional issues such as depression and low self-esteem. Exercise should be included alongside psychotherapy and antidepressants and may facilitate better eating behavior change.

Read at Psychology Today