This episode is brought to you by BiOptimizers, Cozy Earth, and Fatty15.
When we think about treating depression, we rarely consider exercise. Yet emerging research shows it can be a powerful tool for managing mild to moderate depression, and it works well alongside other therapies—including medication. Today’s guest shares the science behind exercise and explores why more practitioners aren’t incorporating it into treatment conversations.
Today on The Dhru Purohit Show, Dhru sits down with Dr. Nicholas Fabiano to explore the powerful role of exercise in treating depression. Dr. Fabiano introduces the FITT protocol for prescribing exercise and sheds light on the disconnect between physicians and patients when it comes to exercise recommendations. Dhru and Dr. Fabiano also discuss how research funding can shape treatment perspectives, the benefits of combining medication with lifestyle interventions, and the emerging role of creatine in brain energy and its potential impact on depression. Dr. Fabiano emphasizes why exercise is essential for mental health and advocates for a holistic approach to treating depression—one that includes lifestyle pillars like diet and sleep.
Nicholas Fabiano is a psychiatry resident and researcher at the University of Ottawa. Drawing from his personal background in weightlifting and competitive soccer, Nicholas developed a strong interest in the use of exercise as a treatment for mental disorders, particularly depression. His research focuses on the intersection of mental and physical health, with a special emphasis on lifestyle psychiatry—exploring how exercise, diet, and sleep influence mental well-being.
In this episode, Dhru and Dr. Fabiano dive into:
- Exercise can be as effective as therapy in treating depression (00:27)
- The importance of finding a provider who exercises and understands its benefits (01:57)
- The impact of exercise on both the brain and body (04:53)
- The misperception that all patients want quick fixes (11:11)
- The side effects of medication and how lifestyle interventions can help counter them (19:18)
- The FITT protocol and how to prescribe it effectively (23:56)
- Reframing exercise as an intervention that empowers patients (31:54)
- Heart rate variability, and why doing what you enjoy matters (31:42)
- The benefits of stacking exercise with creatine (38:33)
- How to incorporate creatine into your diet (44:24)
- Exercise recommendations for beginners, family, and friends (45:02)
- A lifestyle protocol that can actually induce depression (49:33)
- Advocating for and educating the public on foundational principles (59:06)
- An entrepreneurial approach to solving the mental health crisis (01:03:21)
- How Dr. Fabiano became passionate about brain health (01:05:59)
- His advice for beginners and how to follow his work (01:11:27)
Also mentioned in this episode:
For more on Dr. Fabiano, follow him on Instagram, X/Twitter, LinkedIn, and his Website.
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