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Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee

BITESIZE | How Exercise Changes Your Brain and Reduces Your Risk of Depression | Dr Anders Hansen #429

Feb 23, 2024
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Anders Hansen, a renowned psychiatrist and best-selling author, reveals how exercise significantly impacts brain health and mental well-being. He emphasizes that physical activity not only enhances cognition, memory, and creativity but also reduces the risk of depression. Through captivating studies, including one on cycling, he underscores the necessity of an active lifestyle. By sharing personal stories, he illustrates how even small movements can yield major benefits for mental health and happiness.
11:47

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Regular exercise can lead to brain growth and improved memory.
  • Physical fitness significantly reduces the risk of depression, surpassing other factors like diet or smoking.

Deep dives

Exercise Positively Impacts Brain Function and Depression Risk

Exercise has been proven to have a significant positive effect on brain function, memory, creativity, and protection against depression and anxiety. Research shows that regular exercise can lead to the growth of the hippocampus, a key memory center in the brain, counteracting its natural shrinkage over time. Studies have shown that engaging in exercise routines, like fast walking, can result in a larger hippocampus, improved memory, and enhanced spatial memory skills. By understanding the evolutionary perspective of exercise on cognitive function, individuals can harness the brain-boosting benefits of physical activity to thrive in the modern world.

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