In one study, researchers explore the relationship between the body’s cancer immunity and exercise. The paper reports a reduction in the risk of certain cancers associated with exercise. Furthermore, the same study shows that there is a reduced cancer relapse risk among patients who are physically active. The study also describes an enhanced immunity to cancer with the help of exercise - this can increase the chances of survival among affected patients.
Researchers report that the role that exercise plays in rehabilitation for cancer patients is also gaining relevance in the modern-day. More studies are looking at how exercise may be useful in helping patients cope with cancer, and reduce the progression of the disease.
Benefits of Exercise In Treating Depression
Several publications report a high prevalence of depression among patients with cancer. In particular, research states that clinical depression and major depression are common in these patients. Exercise can help to regulate the production of neurotransmitters in these patients. This could yield an improvement in depressive symptoms. The exercise might also contribute to a more successful treatment procedure. When cancer progression slows down, the patient feels more positive about their potential prognosis. This positive outlook on the disease would then also create a reduction in feelings of depression and anxiety in the individual. Instead, the person may start to experience a more positive mood.
Note that this does not only apply to cancer. There are many other chronic diseases that cause depression in the patient. When physical activity is implemented to help the patient, depressive thoughts and moods may start to decline.
Exercise, Obesity, And Your Mood
We have primarily focused on some of the more direct effects that link exercise and your mood thus far. There is, however, an important physical factor that we need to consider.
How Obesity Affects Mood
According to the World Health Organization, a 300% increase in the rate of obesity between 1975 and modern times. Over 1.9 billion people across the world are overweight. More than 650 million of these individuals have a BMI of 30 or higher, which means these individuals are obese. Obesity is no longer simply referred to as having excess weight in the body. Researchers and experts in the health industry now consider obesity a disease - one that is both treatable and preventable.
This is where exercise and mood come into the picture. Obesity affects both physical and mental health. People who are obese will usually have a higher chance of feeling depressed and experiencing a low mood. There are studies that have shown evidence of how obesity affects mental health. The issue comes into play due to a low self-esteem and body image associated with obesity. People generally feel reluctant to wearing certain clothes, as this may reveal parts of their body that they are not proud of. Several other situations affected when the person feels self-conscious about their weight and appearance.
A study published in the Journal of Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology focused on providing more accurate data on how obesity and depression, as well as a low mood, may be connected. Data extracted from a HELIUS study, which include profiles for a total of 21,030 individuals. The profiles related to individuals aged between 18 and 70.
Researchers report consistency in obesity statistics among various groups included in the study. The researchers did conclude that a higher BMI had a more significant relation to depressed moods. This was especially observed among individuals with a BMI higher than 30.
The Role Of Exercise
This is where exercise comes into the picture when looking at obesity and mood. While diet can be a helpful strategy for overcoming obesity, calories still need to be exerted for weight loss to be possible. Burning calories is possible through the right exercise program.
Several studies have shown that a sedentary lifestyle and failure to exercise enough are the primary reasons for the increasing rate of obesity throughout the general population.
In one study, researchers describe the most effective method for targeting obesity. The study explains that both dietary and energy expenditure modification is necessary. Furthermore, researchers suggest that aerobic exercise may be the most efficient method for individuals who are obese. These exercises help to reduce the amount of adipose tissue collected in the body. This exercise program combined with strength training and resistance exercise. The combined effect allows fat mass to be reduced, without affecting lean mass.
As body fat percentage declines through exercise, the individual starts to feel more self-confident. Body image starts to increase significantly once the visual results observed. This also leads to improved mood. Not only does exercise have direct effects on the neurochemicals and hormones in the body, but the indirect effects (improved body image and confidence) further contribute to a better mood.
Conclusion
People who live sedentary lives have a greater risk of depression and anxiety. These mental disorders can cause problems with your mood, making you feel depressed, sad, and irritable. Exercise, on the other hand, might be an effective way of elevating your mood, possibly even contributing to improvements in depression and anxiety disorder symptoms.
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