New Delhi. New Delhi. Quoting a British study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology Dr KK Aggarwal President Heart Care Foundation of India, said that those who get regular vigorous exercise are less likely to develop depression or an anxiety disorder over time. In general, men who reported regular vigorous exercise -- such as running or playing soccer -- were about one-quarter less likely than their less active peers to develop depression or anxiety over the next 5 years.

Even Small Amounts of Exercise Are Beneficial.

In a study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, by Dr Timothy Church of Louisiana State University System it has been shown that even small amounts of physical activity--approximately 75 minutes a week--can improve cardio respiratory fitness levels of sedentary overweight individuals. Commenting on the study Dr K K Aggarwal said that while this level of exercise is lower than that currently recommended to produce weight loss, the current findings may be used to encourage those people who don’t exercise at present to start some form of physical activity.

Improvements in fitness are associated with a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease and death.

National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Panel recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most days of the week, the reports suggest that 60 minutes of exercise each day may be necessary to prevent weight gain.