Food and exercise can treat depression as well as a psychologist, our study found. And it’s cheaper

Medical Xpress August 3, 2024
Adrienne O'Neil and Sophie Mahoney, The Conversation

Around 3.2 million Australians live with depression.

At the same time, few Australians meet recommended dietary or physical activity guidelines. What has one got to do with the other?

Our world-first trial, published this week, shows improving diet and doing more physical activity can be as effective as therapy with a psychologist for treating low-grade depression.

Previous studies (including our own) have found “lifestyle” therapies are effective for depression. But they have never been directly compared with psychological therapies—until now.

Amid a nation-wide shortage of mental health professionals, our research points to a potential solution. As we found lifestyle counseling was as effective as psychological therapy, our findings suggest dietitians and exercise physiologists may one day play a role in...

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