Can taking more daily steps really help reduce depression? According to Medical Xpress, a new global study suggests that even modest increases in step counts could significantly lower the risk of depressive symptoms.
Published December 16 in JAMA Network Open, the Spanish-led review analyzed data from 33 studies involving more than 96,000 adults worldwide. Participants wore fitness trackers to measure their steps, allowing researchers to directly link step counts to mental health outcomes.
The results were striking: Compared to taking 5,000 steps a day, adding just 1,000 extra steps lowered the odds of depression by 9%. Stepping up to 7,000 steps per day reduced the odds by 31%, and hitting 7,500 steps per day corresponded to a 43% lower risk. These improvements held true for people of all ages, both women and men.
While the mental health benefits seemed to level off around 10,000 steps, the research team, led by Estela Jimenez-Lopez of the University of Castile-La Mancha, emphasized that even smaller daily increases can matter. Setting step goals, they suggest, could be a simple, inclusive, and effective public health strategy to prevent depression.
This study joins a growing body of evidence that any form of physical activity—including walking, aerobics, weight training, yoga, and tai chi—can help fend off depressive symptoms. The takeaway: More steps may mean better mental health, and increasing your daily walking routine could be a practical and accessible way to keep depression at bay.
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