Scientists have found a link between physical strength and psychological state
Does physical strength affect the likelihood and severity of depression?
This question scientists from the University of Washington. This study was prompted by the fact that Women are diagnosed with depression about twice as often as men. This is a known fact, but not well understood.
If we roughly compare men and women, then men are on average 7-8 percent taller and 15 percent heavier. But if you look at the composition of the body, then the difference is much greater. On average, men have 61% more muscle mass, and in the upper part of the arms (biceps) there are 78 percent more muscles. This results in a 90% increase in arm strength compared to women.
The researchers used data from 8,576 participants to measure levels of depression (including suicidal thoughts) and grip strength, taking the highest score of three attempts for each hand.
And they found a connection between hand strength and suicidal tendencies, low interest in life and bad mood: the stronger the person, the rarer and weaker these states are.
But, for example, strength seems to have almost no effect on appetite.
What is the reason
Often depression occurs after conflicts, in response to violence. And it’s easier to resist a physically strong person here, but the weak alone cannot cope.
There is also an endocrinological explanation: the more muscle mass, the faster it consumes the stress hormone cortisol.
In general, the conclusion is simple: it is better to be healthy and strong than weak and sick. And playing sports solves much more problems than it might seem.
Your Doctor Pavlova
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