Smokers are less physically active and feel more tired than non-smokers

A new study has revealed that smokers feel more tired, are less physically active, lack motivation and are more likely to suffer symptoms of anxiety and depression, when compared to their non-smoker counterparts.

The research, led by Dr. Karina Furlanetto, from Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Brazil, is the first study to show that smokers are less physically active than non-smokers.

60 smokers and 50 non-smokers were asked to wear a pedometer for a minimum of 12 hours per day, over 6 days.

The results showed that smokers walked less on a daily basis. When their capacity to take long breaths was tested, their lung function was found to be reduced and this impacted their ability to exercise.

When smokers were asked to rate their own health-related quality of life they reported feeling more tired, and lacked the motivation to change their inactive behavior.

The study was published in the journal Respirology.