Quit smoking with new tech?

I think technology is pretty amazing. And I always get excited about new advancements.

We’re living in the information age and it’s moving fast—whether we’re ready or not. (You don’t want to miss this train!)

I even dedicated an entire monthly newsletter article to this very topic. (Click here to read it.)

Indeed, I firmly believe that engaging with technology—at least in some way—is important.

After all, it can support your health journey. And according to new research, it might even help you (or a loved one) finally quit smoking…

Timing is everything

A new study out of the University of Bristol tested whether a smartwatch app could help people quit smoking.

Best of all, the app works on any smartwatch—making it accessible to countless users.

The app uses the smartwatch’s motion sensors to detect smoking movements.

When it detects smoking, the smartwatch immediately delivers a “relapse prevention message,” prompting the user to reconsider having that cigarette—right when it matters most.

This small intervention study tracked 18 people trying to quit smoking. Results were published in JMIR Formative Research. And the findings are quite impressive…

Participants reported that the prevention message made them more aware of their smoking habit—something they usually did on autopilot. That’s huge!

See, many smokers light up without even thinking—despite their best intentions to quit.

Exciting possibilities ahead

I understand that you might not smoke. And I certainly applaud you for that!

But chances are, you know someone who just can’t quit.

And let’s not forget that smoking remains the primary cause of preventable illness and premature death. It’s a behavior that harms nearly every organ in our body—ultimately reducing quality of life and life expectancy.

However, quitting smoking is notoriously difficult. That’s why I get excited about new tools  aimed at helping you achieve that goal—for good. Because they’re absolutely needed.

I also believe that, if we can utilize the same concept of this app on a larger scale, the possibilities are endless. I can see how this type of app might aid in your weight-loss journey, too.

Because much like smoking, overeating is a learned behavior. It’s sometimes even a coping mechanism, just like a cigarette.

But if an app can deliver an encouraging message before the indulgence, well, your guess is as good as mine when it comes to weight management. I’d love to see similar trials that use a smartwatch app as a novel approach to help aid in many facets of health.

Source:

“Smartwatch app uses motion sensors to help smokers quit.” MedicalXpress, 01/02/2025. (medicalxpress.com/news/2025-01-smartwatch-app-motion-sensors-smokers.html)