A number of national media outlets, including the Metro, BBC, and the Telegraph have reported the findings of a new study conducted by the University of Exeter and published in the BMJ, which claims to have found no benefit from exercise in treating depression.

Commenting on the research, David Stalker, CEO, FIA, said: “It is important to note that this is just one of countless studies into the complex relationship between exercise and depression. Numerous other studies have provided strong evidence that people who are more active have a greater sense of wellbeing and have lower rates of depression and anxiety. For example, a study conducted this year by the University of South Carolina found an inverse association between physical activity and depressive symptoms in a large sample of men, whilst an older study by Durham University found that exercise can be a suitable alternative to medication for the treatment of depression in older people.