Taking a certain number of daily steps has long been known to boost overall health, and now a new study has determined how many steps you need to keep depression at bay.
A research team led by Bruno Bezozero Perrone, Ph.D., of the University of Castilla-La Mancha in Cuenca, Spain, analyzed 33 studies including 96,173 adults.
Comparing adults’ daily step counts and rates of depression, they found that people with a higher number of daily steps tended to have fewer depressive symptoms, according to the study results, which were published in JAMA Network Open last week.
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The researchers found that taking 5,000 or more steps was associated with lower depressive symptoms, while taking 7,000 or more steps was associated with a lower risk of depression.
“Our results showed significant associations between higher daily step counts and lower depressive symptoms, as well as lower prevalence and risk of depression in the general adult population,” the researchers wrote in the results.
The results of the study showed that people with a greater number of daily steps tend to have fewer symptoms of depression. (Istock)
“Objective measurement of daily steps may represent a comprehensive, comprehensive public health approach that has the potential to prevent depression.”
More than 7% of U.S. adults have been diagnosed with depression, with people ages 12 to 25 being most affected, according to data from the National Institute of Mental Health.
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Dr. Mark Siegel, a clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and a senior medical analyst at Fox News, was not involved in the study but commented on the review.
“This is an expanded analysis of more than 30 observational studies, so it should be followed up with future randomized studies,” he told Fox News Digital.
Previous studies have found that walking has effects on brain networks that are essential for improving mood, depression and anxiety, one expert told Fox News Digital. (Istock)
“There is already a large body of evidence, including this study, that suggests exercise is associated with improved mood, and is a natural antidepressant.”
The doctor said that the reason behind reducing the number of high steps from depression is not only psychological, but also physical.
“Exercise increases the release of happiness hormones — dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin,” Siegel added.
“The more sedentary we are, or the more we sit, the more depressed we become.”
Previous studies have found that walking has effects on brain networks that are essential for improving mood, depression, and anxiety, according to Dr. Richard A. Bermudez, a psychiatrist and chief medical officer at BrainsWay in Nevada.
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“The more sedentary we are, or the more we sit, the more depressed we become,” Bermudez, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.
More than 7% of U.S. adults have been diagnosed with depression, with people ages 12 to 25 being most affected, according to data from the National Institute of Mental Health. (Istock)
“We also know that there is an incremental benefit to walking, with every increase of 1,000 steps per day associated with a 9% lower risk of depression.”
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He pointed out that genetics, psychological factors, and social pressures also play a role in depression.
“However, we know that exposure to natural light, general movement, and walking in natural environments or nature have positive mood effects.”
One expert noted that exposure to natural light, general movement, and walking in natural environments or nature have positive mood effects. (Istock)
Bermudes encourages those struggling with depression to “take one step at a time.”
“For those with severe depression, try gradually day by day, increasing by 100 steps each day,” he suggested.
“If you work and are stuck at a desk most days, schedule a 15-minute break to exercise your brain by walking.”
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Bermuda added that walking outside is more beneficial because it provides exposure to natural light.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the study researchers for comment.
