Quitting smoking remains a difficult challenge, with standard structured programs and medications yielding success rates below 20%. However, a research team led by Dr. Ben Singh from Adelaide University in Australia has identified physical exercise as a viable, accessible support tool. Their findings, published in the Journal of Sport and Health Science, show that physical activity reduces cigarette consumption and eases withdrawal symptoms.
The biological mechanism behind this benefit lies in brain chemistry. Even a single workout temporarily curbs cravings and stabilizes mood by increasing dopamine, serotonin, and endogenous opioids, while simultaneously lowering cortisol levels.
To evaluate these effects, the research team conducted a meta-analysis of 59 randomized controlled trials involving more than 9,000 participants. The analysis confirmed that both immediate, individual training sessions and structured, long-term exercise programs help smokers manage their withdrawal symptoms and improve their chances of quitting permanently.
“Something as simple as regular exercise can make a difference for people trying to quit smoking,” Dr. Singh stated in a university press release, suggesting that smokers use short exercise sessions strategically to combat sudden cravings.
Looking ahead, the researchers plan to study how to integrate physical activity into clinical and digital cessation programs. They also aim to investigate whether exercise helps individuals quit vaping, a topic currently lacking dedicated research. Additionally, global data shows that incorporating community pharmacies into cessation programs further improves success rates, a strategy currently expanding in Spain and Germany.