A study published in PLOS One reveals that engaging in at least 2.5 hours of exercise weekly is associated with a lower risk of depression and anxiety among college students. Conducted in Norway, the research analyzed data from 53,362 college students aged 18 to 35 who took part in the 2022 Students' Health and Wellbeing Study.
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Researchers evaluated the frequency, intensity, and duration of exercise among the participants, as well as their overall weekly exercise hours. Nearly a year later, many students completed a diagnostic assessment for major depressive episodes or generalized anxiety disorder using the CIDI 5.0.
The findings indicate that increased weekly exercise correlates with reduced depression and anxiety risks. Local gym-goers shared their experiences, highlighting the mental health benefits of regular workouts. "After a long day at work, coming to the gym helps me relax and clears my mind," said Isael Duran. Diane Brown mentioned that morning exercise sets a positive tone for her day.
The study found that women who engaged in little or no exercise faced a 15% higher risk of depression or anxiety compared to those who exercised daily; for men, the risk was more than double. Women exhibited the lowest risk with approximately five to six hours of exercise weekly, while men benefited from continued reductions in risk up to ten hours per week.
Participants beginning a fitness routine were encouraged to adopt a gradual approach. "You don't have to go big; it's easier on the body to start smaller and gradually adjust," advised Brown. Duran emphasized the importance of consistency, stating, "Just keep pushing through, and eventually, you'll enjoy coming to the gym."
This study contributes to ongoing research on the link between physical activity and mental health, emphasizing that more frequent exercise lowers the likelihood of depression and anxiety in college students.