Research
Mixed
Physical activity improves psychological wellbeing, reduces clinical depression risk, and has a beneficial effect on anxiety.
Regular physical activity is a proven way to improve your mental health. It reduces the risk of clinical depression, helps with anxiety, and boosts mood and self-esteem. Incorporate activity into your routine to support your psychological wellbeing.
GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
There is good evidence that physical inactivity increases the risk of clinical depression. There is also good evidence that physical activity has an important beneficial effect on anxiety. Furthermore, physical activity is important for psychological wellbeing and can be used as a means to improve mood and self-esteem.
Why this rating
The paper states 'good evidence' for both depression and anxiety.
Source
Physical activity and health
Lisa M Miles · Nutrition Bulletin · 2007
DOI 10.1111/j.1467-3010.2007.00668.x
narrative_reviewCited 302×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
More from this paper
- Regular moderate-intensity physical activity (e.g., walking) reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease in a dose-dependent manner, with more intense or frequent exercise providing further risk reduction.Good
- Regular physical activity reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes by 33–50%, with high-risk individuals (obese or impaired glucose tolerance) deriving the greatest benefit.Good
- Physical activity reduces the risk of obesity by preventing weight gain and aiding in the maintenance of weight loss, with 45–60 minutes of moderate-intensity activity daily likely necessary for prevention.Good
Related findings · Mixed
- Bariatric surgery (VSG and RYGB) is the most effective and sustainable treatment for obesity, producing marked and sustained weight loss that non-surgical interventions cannot match.Strong
- Severely protein-deficient diets (2–3% energy) induce lean body mass loss and metabolic imbalance, whereas adequate protein intake (0.66 g/kg/d minimum) is a prerequisite for maintaining muscle, bone, and physiological function.Strong
- For patients with Class III obesity (BMI >39.9 kg/m2), metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) is significantly more effective than any currently approved medication, with BilioPancreatic Diversion (BPD) showing the highest estimated weight loss.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →