What is the most effective intervention to reduce the risk and progression of COPD?

Smoking cessation is considered the most effective intervention for reducing the risk and progression of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This is primarily because smoking is the leading cause of COPD, contributing to the development and exacerbation of the disease. When individuals quit smoking, they significantly decrease their exposure to harmful substances that damage the lungs and airways.

Studies have shown that quitting smoking can lead to an improvement in lung function over time and can slow the progression of existing COPD. Additionally, it reduces the frequency and severity of exacerbations and improves overall quality of life.

While medication adherence, weight management, and regular exercise can play important roles in managing COPD and improving health outcomes, these factors do not directly address the primary cause of the disease. Therefore, while they are supportive measures in the context of living with COPD, they do not have the same level of impact on the disease's risk and progression as smoking cessation does.