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5 stars who used exercise to help beat mental health problems

On this week's , Gemma Cairney and Dr Radha will be talking about the importance of exercise and why it does more for the body than just build your biceps.

Small amounts of exercise can stimulate endorphins, which can help deal with issues such as anxiety and depression, something these celebrities have already discovered for themselves.

Here are five stars who have used their gym routine to help work through mental health issues.

Lena Dunham

Girls star Lena said that she managed to overcome her mental health problems after years of medication by taking up exercise - although she said that people with anxiety eye-roll every time someone suggests hitting the gym.

"To those struggling with anxiety, OCD, depression: I know it's mad annoying when people tell you to exercise, and it took me about 16 medicated years to listen," she wrote in a post on Instagram.

"I'm glad I did. It ain't about the ass, it's about the brain."

Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato has spoken often an openly about her struggles with mental health and says she uses a variety of methods to deal with her anxiety issues - including maintaining a good exercise routine.

"Exercising is another way I deal with anxiety. Painting, and writing music, and expressing myself through art are other ways that I can release emotions," she told the Huffington Post.

She also says that solutions can vary from person to person and encourages people to try a variety of activities to treat anxiety and depression issues.

"Whatever it is, it's important to find what works for you," she says.

Olivia Munn

If the idea of exercising doesn't appeal in any way, you're not alone.

X-Men actress Olivia Munn uses hypnosis to treat her obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety and as a previously avid avoider of exercise, her therapist once hypnotised her to make her want to hit the gym in order to improve her mental health.

"During one of our sessions, he hypnotized me. I'm not exaggerating: That was on a Friday, and by Monday I was working out every day at 6am," she told Good Housekeeping.

"Now I feel so much stronger."

Ellie Goulding

Ellie Goulding may be one of the UK's biggest pop stars, but she suffered with panic attacks and anxiety when she first found fame.

Followers on Instagram will know she's a keen gym-goer, kickboxer and runner but she revealed her love of exercise has benefits on more than just her body.

"Keeping fit doesn't mean spending hours at a gym; the key is to find a workout you really love," she wrote in an essay for Well + Good.

"The more I started doing classes and also working out with my trainer, the better I felt about myself."

"Now that I believe in myself more, that confidence comes through, whether I'm working out, singing onstage, or just hanging out by myself at home."

Khloe Kardashian

The Kardashians have made perfection a multi-million dollar industry, but even the world's most famous family can suffer from mental health issues.

Khloe says she suffers from anxiety and that it eased when she embarked on a fitness regime and started pounding the treadmill at the gym.

"I promise you, the gym has taken away so much of my stress," she told Marie Claire magazine.

"It has helped calm me down. When I'm fidgety and I just feel like everything is closing in, I go to the gym."

"You're building endorphins and feeling good about yourself. It's saved me."

Dr Radha says...

"Exercise is fantastic for keeping well both physically and mentally.

Exercise is fantastic for keeping well both physically and mentally

"Endorphins are released when you exercise and these chemicals help reduce feelings of stress and help you feel more relaxed.

"Exercise also helps you get better sleep which is essential to your mental wellbeing and can improve your self esteem, confidence and feelings of resilience when life gets challenging."

Listen to The Surgery live on Radio 1 at 9pm on Wednesday night