Regular exercise may improve chances of quitting smoking, study finds

ADELAIDE: Regular exercise may help smokers quit tobacco by reducing nicotine cravings and improving their chances of remaining smoke-free, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Adelaide in Australia.

The research found that regular exercise increased the likelihood of successfully abstaining from smoking by 15% and improved the chances of remaining smoke-free after quitting by 21%.

The study analysed data from 59 clinical trials involving approximately 9,000 participants. Researchers examined the effects of exercise on smoking abstinence, nicotine cravings, withdrawal symptoms and mood.

According to the findings, people who exercise regularly may gradually reduce their cigarette consumption as their cravings for nicotine decline. Researchers described exercise as a practical and cost-effective tool that can support people trying to quit smoking.

However, they emphasised that exercise should not replace professional counselling or medication designed to help people manage nicotine addiction.

Smoking causes millions of deaths worldwide each year, while secondhand smoke also poses serious health risks to non-smokers. Researchers noted that although quitting tobacco is one of the most beneficial steps people can take for their health, overcoming nicotine addiction can be challenging.

The findings were published in the Journal of Sport and Health Science.

Earlier, a December 2023 study by the University of Innsbruck in Austria found that just 10 minutes of moderate exercise, including brisk walking, could temporarily reduce cigarette cravings and help ease withdrawal symptoms among people trying to quit smoking.