The Issue
- In 2023, approximately one in eight U.S. adults and adolescents experienced depression, an increase of 60% over the previous decade. Physical activity and sedentary time have both been associated with depression, although in opposite directions. The association between physical activity and depression when sedentary time is accounted for remains unclear. Additionally, limited knowledge exists regarding differences in depression prevalence across levels of aerobic physical activity, specifically among individuals reporting none, some, and sufficient aerobic activity to meet recommended guidelines.
What We Did
- We investigated the association between depression and leisure time physical activity, adjusting for sedentary time, among U.S. adults using recent nationally representative data.
What We Found
- Adults who met recommended physical activity during leisure time were less likely to have depression; findings did not change much after adjusting for sedentary hours.
What This Means
These findings provide additional evidence supporting the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.
