Sedentary teens may be more likely than their active peers to be depressed, and a new study suggests even light exercise like walking might help reduce this risk. Following more than 4,000 young people from age 12 to age 18, researchers found physical activity levels declined as kids got older. But those who were the most sedentary at ages 12 through 16 were the most likely to have symptoms of depression at 18.
Conversely, kids who maintained or increased light physical activity across the years had the lowest depression risk at 18. "Our results suggest young people should aim to reduce their sedentary behavior and increase their light activity during adolescence, a time when the opposite tends to occur," said lead study author of University College London in the UK. "This could reduce the risk of depression in the future." "Most children should have no trouble finding 60 minutes a day…
