Depression risk high for women with weak upper body strength, new study claims
| Jun 6, 2019, 14:57 IST
A new study claims women who have weak upper body strength are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. Researchers say the risk is particularly high for midlife women.
Previous research has also found depression is high in midlife women with self-reported low physical activity. However, the new study examined objective measures of physical performance that have a relation to depression and anxiety in premenopausal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal women.
After studying data collection of more than 1,100 women between the ages of 45 to 69 years found, the team discovered that 15 per cent of participants, stated they suffered from depression and or anxiety.The team also found that weak upper body strength, as well as poor lower body strength,was linked to high levels of depression and anxiety symptoms.
Identifying risk factors of depression is crucial as it can cause serious health issues like heart disease. One study, published in the European Journal of Neurology, also found women who suffer from a stroke are more likely to suffer from depression. "While we cannot pinpoint exactly why depression is more common among women, it could be that women draw more of their sense of self and self-worth from their social relationships and so are more sensitive to challenges in maintaining these,"lead author of this study Dr Salma Ayis from the School of Population Health & Environmental Sciences at King's College London, told a news portal. Adding, "Also, as women tend to live longer than men, they are more likely to be exposed to loneliness, poor physical health and loss of support, all of which could lead to depression."
Another study also discovered the risk of depression is high for women who work more than 55 hours a week. Working most weekends and shifts can take a toll on a woman's mental health. "Such jobs, when combined with frequent or complex interactions with the public or clients, have been linked to higher levels of depression," researchers stated. Adding, “Our findings of more depressive symptoms among women working extra long hours might also be explained by the potential double burden experienced by women when their long hours in paid work are added on their time in domestic labour.”
Previous research has also found depression is high in midlife women with self-reported low physical activity. However, the new study examined objective measures of physical performance that have a relation to depression and anxiety in premenopausal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal women.
After studying data collection of more than 1,100 women between the ages of 45 to 69 years found, the team discovered that 15 per cent of participants, stated they suffered from depression and or anxiety.The team also found that weak upper body strength, as well as poor lower body strength,was linked to high levels of depression and anxiety symptoms.
Identifying risk factors of depression is crucial as it can cause serious health issues like heart disease. One study, published in the European Journal of Neurology, also found women who suffer from a stroke are more likely to suffer from depression. "While we cannot pinpoint exactly why depression is more common among women, it could be that women draw more of their sense of self and self-worth from their social relationships and so are more sensitive to challenges in maintaining these,"lead author of this study Dr Salma Ayis from the School of Population Health & Environmental Sciences at King's College London, told a news portal. Adding, "Also, as women tend to live longer than men, they are more likely to be exposed to loneliness, poor physical health and loss of support, all of which could lead to depression."
Another study also discovered the risk of depression is high for women who work more than 55 hours a week. Working most weekends and shifts can take a toll on a woman's mental health. "Such jobs, when combined with frequent or complex interactions with the public or clients, have been linked to higher levels of depression," researchers stated. Adding, “Our findings of more depressive symptoms among women working extra long hours might also be explained by the potential double burden experienced by women when their long hours in paid work are added on their time in domestic labour.”