Excessive Exercise May Harm Mental Health, Yale Study Finds
The study found that excessive exercise can lead to problems such as overeating, depression, and addictive behaviors.
New Haven: While it is well known that exercise benefits both physical and mental health, a new study suggests that too much exercise can actually damage mental well-being.
According to research published in the renowned medical journal The Lancet Psychiatry, physical activity helps improve mental health and protects against depression — but the duration and frequency of exercise are crucial.
Researchers at Yale University’s School of Medicine analyzed data from more than 1.2 million people, examining how the length and frequency of exercise affected their physical and mental health.
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The results showed that individuals who exercised three to five times a week for about 45 minutes had significantly better mental health and lower rates of depression. However, those who exercised for more than three hours a day often experienced the worst mental health outcomes.
The study found that excessive exercise can lead to problems such as overeating, depression, and addictive behaviors. It also revealed a link between exercising more than 23 times per month or for longer than 90 minutes at a stretch and a higher risk of mental health issues.
Researchers emphasized the importance of balance, noting that while regular exercise is essential for mental well-being, overdoing it can have the opposite effect.
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