Is regular physical activity a key to mental health? Commentary on “Association between physical exercise and mental health in 1.2 million individuals in the USA between 2011 and 2015: A cross-sectional study”, by Chekroud et al., published in Lancet Psychiatry

摘要

The recent publication by Chekroud et al.1 in Lancet focuses on the relationship between physical exercise and mental health. Mental health is defined as optimal personal functioning “resulting in productive activities, fulfilling relationships with other people, and the ability to adapt to change and to cope with adversity”. (p. 4) 2 Recently, mental health has no longer been described as a dichotomous state but as a continuum, with personal mental states ranging from highly functional to mentally ill.3 An example of one of the most commonly diagnosed mental health disorders is depression, an emerging public health problem,4 with symptoms including frequently experienced depressive moods, loss of interest or pleasure, decreased energy, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, and poor concentration.5 Consequently, depression increases physical distress and health problems, ultimately impairing functional well-being and quality of life.5 It has been estimated that approximately 15% of the population worldwide is at risk of developing depressive symptoms.