Following three days without chocolate, 25 regular chocolate eaters were asked to either complete a 15-minute brisk walk or rest. They then engaged in tasks that would normally induce chocolate cravings, including a mental challenge and opening a chocolate bar.

After exercise, participants reported lower cravings than after rest. Cravings were not only reduced during the walk, but for at least ten minutes afterwards. The exercise also limited increases in cravings in response to the two tasks.

The benefits of exercise in helping people manage dependencies, such as for nicotine and other drugs, have long been recognized.

Researchers found that a 55-minute regime was the minimum needed to keep up a 10percent drop in weight. Only a quarter of the 200 women involved in the study managed to lose this amount.

Research suggests a combination of exercise and calorie control as being the most successful combination for weight loss. This latest research once again confirms that plenty of exercise, along with an appropriate diet is key for weight loss.