Exercise is Equally Effective as Drugs for Treating Depression, New Study Reveals

Doctors have long known exercise helps with sadness, but no one had compared it head-to-head with standard treatments across thousands of patients. This massive review pooled data from diverse studies—testing walking, strength training, yoga, cycling, and more—against drugs and talk therapy. Researchers measured depression scores before and after using standardized scales, tracking what works, for whom, and how much movement makes a difference.

How exercise heals the depressed brain: Exercise releases serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins—the same "feel-good" chemicals antidepressants target. Even better, it grows BDNF—"Miracle-Gro for the brain"—boosting neuroplasticity that depression shuts down. Light-to-moderate activity works as well as intense workouts, especially early on.

Key findings:

• Combo power: Aerobic + strength training beats cardio alone

• Quick results: 13-36 sessions (2-3 months) significantly cut symptoms

• Start small: Daily walks create "exponential gains" from zero activity

• Flexible options: Yoga, tai chi, jogging, or childhood sports all help

• Safe & accessible: Minimal side effects, low cost, works for most people

Global guidelines now rank exercise as first-line depression treatment alongside therapy and meds. Yet doctors prescribe pills faster—exercise takes counseling time. Experts recommend combination approach: meds lift mood enough to start moving, then exercise sustains gains.

Even modest movement compounds over time. Long-term studies remain limited, but early evidence suggests regular exercise prevents depression relapse too.

Exercise offers what pills can't: physical resilience, social connection, and brain growth alongside mood lift. No prescription needed—just shoes and a first step. As primary care evolves, expect "exercise first" conversations. The message is simple: move your body to heal your mind.

REFERENCE: Cooney GM, Dwan K, Greig CA, Lawlor DA, Rimer J, Waugh FR, McMurdo M, Mead GE. Exercise for depression. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2013, Issue 9. Art. No.: CD004366. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004366.pub6. Accessed 13 January 2026.