Exercise is as Effective as Medication in Treating Depression, Study Finds

new Cochrane review of 73 randomized controlled trials involving 5,000 people finds that exercise—ranging from light walking to moderate activity—can be as effective as medication or therapy in reducing depressive symptoms. Exercise boosts neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins, and supports brain neuroplasticity through increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), enhancing the brain’s ability to adapt.

Combining aerobic and resistance training may offer additional benefit. Experts note that exercise is low-cost, accessible, and generally safe, yet remains underutilized, underscoring its potential as a foundational, first-line public health strategy for mental wellness. Read more from NPR here.