Physical activity levels are associated with depressive symptoms: A cross-sectional study of 58,445 adults

Depression is the leading cause of mental health-related illnesses and disabilities. Physical activity (PA) has been included as part of therapeutic approaches for patients with depression. This study aimed to investigate the associations between depressive symptoms and PA levels in a large representative cohort of Brazilian adults and older individuals.

Data from 58,445 Brazilian adults (68.6 % males and 31.4 % females) aged 18 years or older (42.2 ± 10 years) who participated in health screening initiatives between 2008 and 2022 at the Center for Preventive Medicine at a quaternary hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil were analyzed. Standardized health data (anthropometric, laboratory, clinical, and behavioral) were collected. A hierarchical regression model was used to examine the associations based on the presence and absence of depressive symptoms.

In the final model, age, gender (female), body mass index (BMI) (each kg/m²), presence of hypertension, presence of diabetes mellitus, risk of alcohol consumption, smoking status, and perceived stress were associated with higher odds of depressive symptoms. However, PA levels were associated with lower odds of depressive symptoms.

The findings revealed that any level of PA was independently and significantly associated reduced risk of depressive symptoms.