Researchers at University College Cork in Ireland identified specific metabolic pathways through which exercise counteracts the negative behavioural effects of consuming a Western-style diet.

The research demonstrated that voluntary running exercise can mitigate depression-like behaviours induced by high-fat, high-sugar diets associated with both circulating hormones and gut-derived metabolites.

“The findings provide crucial insights into how lifestyle interventions might be optimised to support mental health in an era of widespread ultra-processed food consumption,” said Professor Yvonne Nolan from the varsity.

In the study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Brain Medicine, the team exposed adult male rats to either standard chow or a rotating cafeteria diet consisting of various high-fat and high-sugar foods for seven and a half weeks, with half of each dietary group having access to running wheels.

The study revealed that voluntary wheel running exerted an antidepressant-like behavioural effect in poor diet quality, suggesting that physical activity may benefit individuals consuming Western-style diets.