A new US study suggests that regular exercise and physical activity may help reduce the association between genetic risk and the severity of depression symptoms.
A study published in the journal Nature Mental Health has found that people who are more physically active may experience a weaker relationship between genetic susceptibility to depression and the severity of its symptoms.
Researchers analysed data from 23,517 people, using survey responses, electronic health records, genetic information and physical activity data collected through Fitbit devices.
The findings suggest that maintaining an active lifestyle may play a supportive role in managing depression risk, including among people with a genetic predisposition to the condition.
How Physical Activity May Help
According to the researchers, exercise may support brain function, help regulate inflammation in the body and reduce the effects of psychological stress.
These potential benefits could help explain why more physically active participants showed a weaker association between genetic risk and depression severity.
Study author Denver Brown said that understanding genetic risk could help people make appropriate lifestyle changes to support depression prevention and symptom management.
Researchers Analyse Data From More Than 23,000 People
The research combined several sources of information, including participants’ survey responses, medical records, genetic data and activity measurements from wearable Fitbit devices.
By examining these different sources, researchers investigated how physical activity was associated with the relationship between genetic susceptibility and depression symptoms.
The findings highlight physical activity as a potentially useful factor in mental health strategies, although they do not establish that exercise alone can prevent or treat depression.
Exercise Is Not a Replacement for Depression Treatment
The researchers emphasised that physical activity should be considered a supportive strategy rather than a substitute for professional depression treatment.
People experiencing persistent depression symptoms should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Exercise may complement an appropriate treatment plan, depending on an individual’s circumstances.
The study adds to research exploring how lifestyle factors may interact with genetic susceptibility to influence mental health outcomes.