A Norwegian study reveals that how often students exercise may be more critical for mental well-being than the duration or intensity of workouts, highlighting the importance of regular movement for better psychological health.
A Norwegian study suggests that how often students exercise may matter more for mental health than how long or how hard they work out. Researchers found that students who were physically inactive were more likely to report depression or anxiety a year later, pointing to a link between regular movement and better psychological well-being.
Michael Grasdalsmoen, a researcher and lecturer at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, told NTB that mental ill-health among students is becoming a growing public health concern. He said the findings suggest encouraging physical activity could help improve mental health and should be seen as part of a healthy learning environment.
The research was based on the Student Health and Wellbeing Survey, a large national study of students aged 18 to 35. More than 53,000 people took part in 2022, and more than 10,000 returned for follow-up the next year. According to the study, published in PLOS One, students who exercised rarely had a higher risk of later depression and anxiety, with the clearest pattern seen in exercise frequency rather than session length or intensity. Among women, very low activity was linked with a 15% higher risk; among men, the comparable figure was 33%.
The results are broadly in step with World Health Organisation advice that adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity each week. Grasdalsmoen stressed, however, that the study was observational and cannot prove that exercise alone caused the lower risk. He said the team measured activity first and mental health later, which strengthens the case for a connection over time, but does not rule out other explanations. The study did not examine the mechanisms behind the relationship, though the researchers noted that physical activity may support mental health in several ways.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
