January 2020 News, Mental Health, Fitness, Well-Being
Depression makes it hard to exercise. Researchers reviewed data from two studies, which together included 1,163 older adults in a diabetes prevention program. Half were randomly assigned to programs designed to increase exercise. For three years, participants used a pedometer or other device to count their steps. They also underwent annual evaluations for depression. Those in the walking program who weren’t depressed at the study’s start boosted their daily steps by an average of 592 a day; among depressed participants, that average was just 328. In fact, each symptom of depression reported at the start of the study led to nearly 100 fewer steps per day. If you’ve spent months feeling down and less interested in engaging in activities such as exercise, ask your doctor about being evaluated for depression.
Source: Diabetes Care, October 2019
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