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Sitting Linked to Depression

Too much sedentary time correlates to a greater risk of depression.

Amassing scientific literature suggests a multitude of life-enhancing – and potentially life-extending, benefits of movement.  Conversely, having a sedentary lifestyle is thought to rob both quality, and quantity, of life.  Long Zhai, from Qingdao University Medical College (China), and colleagues completed a meta-analysis of 24 published studies involving a total of 193,166 subjects, to ascertain the relation of sedentary lifestyle and depression risk. The team observed that people with the most sedentary behavior were 25% more likely to be depressed overall, as compared to those who were the least sedentary.   Data also revealed differences based on the type of inactivity: watching TV was linked to 13% increased risk of depression, whereas computer/Internet use associated with 22% higher depression risk. The study authors submit that: “This meta-analysis of observational studies indicates that sedentary behaviour is associated with increased risk of depression.”

Zhai L, Zhang Y, Zhang D.  “Sedentary behaviour and the risk of depression: a meta-analysis.”  Br J Sports Med. 2014 Sep 2. pii: bjsports-2014-093613.

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