The role of physical activity in shaping the relationship between alcohol use and anxiety and depression symptoms: Findings from a U.S. nationwide cohort

The study examined the relationship between alcohol consumption and symptoms of anxiety or depression in 5,152 U.S. adults from 2021-2023. Most participants (70.3%) had low-risk or no alcohol use, 21.9% had moderate-risk use, and 7.8% had high-risk use. Physical inactivity was present in 29.5% of participants. Sedentary behavior was associated with higher risk of moderate to severe anxiety and depression compared to physically active individuals. Among healthier participants without chronic conditions, physical activity modified the association between moderate-risk alcohol use and anxiety or depression symptoms. The findings suggest that sedentary behavior may amplify mental health vulnerability associated with moderate alcohol consumption.