Aussies not exercising

MORE than half of Australians have done no exercise in the past three months, alarming new research has revealed.

The Medibank data also shows that rates of depression have risen steadily from 13.1 per cent of Australians seven years ago to 15.3 per cent now.

Medibank chief medical officer Dr Linda Swan said exercise helped battle anxiety and stress levels.

“There are strong links between mental health condition and low activity, particularly depression, anxiety and stress levels all found to be improved if you are active and worse if you’re inactive,” Dr Swan said.