Feeling too low to be active: Physical inactivity mediates the relationship between mental and physical health

Background: Physical inactivity is one of the most influential and pervasive risk factors for health problems. Therefore, public health experts call for interventions to promote physical activity across the lifespan. This study aimed to examine the role of mental health in physical inactivity and the subsequent role of physical activity in various aspects of physical health. Methods: Data were collected in the third wave of the European Health Interview Survey (EHIS) in Slovenia. A nationally representative sample of 9,900 people (49.6% male) aged 15 years or more (M = 49.2; SD = 18.9 years) provided self-reports on depression (PHQ-8), subjective well-being (MHC-SF), physical (in)activity, bodily pain, long-standing activity limitations, their general health status, and possible chronic diseases. Results: The results of a path analysis showed that depression had a positive effect and well-being had a negative effect on physical inactivity, which in turn contributed to the likelihood of severe bodily pain, activity limitations, poor self-rated health, and multimorbidity. Depression and well-being contributed to health-related outcomes directly and indirectly through physical inactivity. Limitations: Because of the cross-sectional design, this study is limited in its ability to draw causal conclusions. All health data were self-reported. Conclusions: Results suggest that high levels of depression and low levels of subjective well-being may be an early warning sign of physical health problems. Interventions aimed at preventing or reducing mental health problems and promoting positive mental health may benefit not only mental health per se, but also prevent physical inactivity and, consequently, physical health problems.