Review finds exercise may help curb smoking cravings, ease withdrawal

A systematic review examining the link between physical activity and smoking cessation has found that both single exercise sessions and longer-term training programs can influence tobacco use. The analysis pooled data from 59 studies covering more than 9,000 participants. Researchers reported that individual exercise sessions produced short-term reductions in the urge to smoke, while sustained training programs appeared to lessen the severity of nicotine withdrawal symptoms. The authors noted that exercise should not be viewed as a stand-alone solution for quitting. Instead, they said it can serve as a complementary option alongside established cessation methods. The review adds to a growing body of research on behavioral approaches to smoking cessation, a field that has also explored counseling, nicotine replacement therapy and medication. No further details on next research steps were immediately available.