Depression could be prevented with specific daily step count, study finds

A research team led by Bruno Bizzozero-Peroni, PhD, from Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha in Cuenca, Spain, analyzed 33 studies involving 96,173 adults.

"Our results showed significant associations between higher numbers of daily steps and fewer depressive symptoms, as well as lower prevalence and risk of depression in the general adult population," the authors wrote in the findings.

More than 7% of U.S. adults have been diagnosed with depression, with those between 12 and 25 years old most affected, according to data from the National Institute of Mental Health.

Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and Fox News senior medical analyst, was not involved in the study but commented on the review.

"There is already a vast body of evidence, including this study, that exercise is associated with mood improvement, a natural antidepressant."  

"Exercise increases the release of the 'happy hormones' - dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin," Siegel added.

"The more sedentary we are, or the more we sit, the more depressed we get," Bermudes, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. 

"We also know that there is an incremental benefit to walking - every increase of 1,000 steps per day was associated with a 9% lower risk of depression."

Genetics, psychological factors and social stressors also play a role in depression, he noted.

"For those with severe depression, try incrementally day after day, increasing by 100 steps each day," he suggested. 

"If you work and are stuck at a desk most days, schedule 15-minute breaks to exercise the brain by taking a walk."

Walking outside is more beneficial, Bermudes added, as it provides natural light exposure.

Fox News Digital reached out to the study researchers for comment.