Exercise may be just as effective as medication for treating depression, according to a major new review of clinical trials. The analysis found that regular physical activity significantly reduced depressive symptoms, with results comparable to commonly used drug and therapy approaches.
Researchers examined dozens of randomized controlled trials involving thousands of people with depression. Across studies, exercise improved mood by influencing brain chemistry linked to emotional regulation and by supporting brain adaptability, which is often reduced in people with depression. Light to moderate activity produced benefits similar to more intense workouts, particularly when people were starting out.
The findings suggest exercise can play a central role alongside other treatments. Even modest activity, such as regular walking or combining aerobic movement with strength training, was linked to meaningful improvements. Researchers note that while more long-term data are needed, physical activity remains a low-cost and widely accessible option for managing depression.
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