Wearables data show exercise may help buffer genetic risk for depression

Exercise also regulates inflammation and improves immune signalling, which the team said is relevant, given growing evidence linking genetic risk for depression to immune and inflammatory signalling | Image used for representational purpose only | Photo Credit: AP An analysis of data from wearables, such as daily steps and minutes of physical activity, showed a consistent pattern where one's genetic risk was less strongly linked to depression severity among more active adults."Depression is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, so understanding how we might reduce its burden is important," author Denver Brown, assistant professor in the school of health sciences at Kansas State University, US, said."As we move toward more personalised medicine, understanding a patient's genetic risk could help inform conversations about lifestyle, including the potential role of physical activity in helping prevent depression or manage its symptoms," Brown said.Adding physical activity to a daily routine could therefore be especially beneficial for individuals with a genetic predisposition to depression, potentially helping reduce their risk and ease their symptom burden, the researchers said.The study, published in the journal Nature Mental Health, analysed data from 23,517 participants of the All of Us Research Program, a nationwide effort in the U.S. to better understand how differences in biology, lifestyle and environment influence health."... these findings suggest that genetic and behavioural factors contribute largely independently to MDD (major depressive disorder) onset but interact in shaping symptom expression, highlighting PA (physical activity) as a potential modifier of genetic vulnerability in depression and a potential target for precision mental health interventions," the authors wrote.The researchers analysed survey responses, electronic health records, genetic data and long-term physical activity data from Fitbit devices.At the neurobiological level, physical activity enhances neuroplasticity by supporting synaptic plasticity and hippocampal function -- the systems are often dysregulated in depression and implicated in genetic vulnerability pathways, they said.Exercise also regulates inflammation and improves immune signalling, which the team said is relevant, given growing evidence linking genetic risk for depression to immune and inflammatory signalling.Further, the researchers said being physically active influences stress reactivity, potentially reducing the impact of genetically mediated stress sensitivity on depressive symptoms. Published - October 28, 2026 06:16 pm IST