A new study concluded that physical exercise is the main pillar in containing and eliminating depression, indicating that it is much better than medications or consulting doctors.

The study said that physical activity is one and a half times more effective compared to medical consultations and advanced medications, according to the "sciencedaily" scientific website.

Researchers at the University of South Australia in their study published in the journal "the British Journal of Sports Medicine" stated that their study is the most comprehensive review to date in this context.

They also explained that it included 97 reviews, 1039 experiments, and more than 128,000 participants.

The study concluded that physical exercise involves significant benefits for reducing symptoms of disorder, anxiety, and distress.

The study noted that physical exercises lasting 12 weeks or less were more effective in reducing mental health symptoms compared to consultations and medications, showing the speed at which physical exercises can cause change.

The most beneficiaries were pregnant women, those who have recently given birth, those with kidney diseases, and others.

Also, according to data from the World Health Organization, one out of every 8 people in the world (970 million people) suffers from a mental disorder.

Mental health care costs the global economy 2.5 trillion dollars annually, a figure expected to rise to 6 billion dollars by 2030.

For his part, the lead researcher in the study, Bin Singh, said that priority should be given to exercise so that increasing mental health problems can be contained.

He pointed out that physical exercises, of various kinds, are as beneficial as walking, resistance exercises (lifting and pushing weights), fitness exercises, and yoga.

Most importantly, it does not require practicing extensive physical exercise to bring about a change in mental health.