Quitting smoking can add years to your life. According to a new study published in the Journal of Addiction, each cigarette taken reduces life expectancy by an average of 17 minutes for men and 22 minutes for women.
Researchers analyzed data from long-term studies tracking population health and found that quitting smoking can prevent a full day’s loss of life within just one month. Smoking also cuts into healthy years rather than shortening the period at the end of life, which is often marked by chronic illness or disability.
The study suggests that stopping smoking at any age will improve health, with benefits starting almost immediately. The sooner smokers quit, the longer and healthier they can expect their lives to be.
In the UK, around six million adults smoke, equivalent to 12% of the population. Quitting rates are high, with 71% of former smokers having quit in 2023. However, smoking remains a significant public health issue, with an estimated five million people using e-cigarettes in Great Britain.
Quitting smoking can have a profound impact on life expectancy, and public health experts urge smokers to make a new resolution and take the first step towards a healthier lifestyle.
Source: https://news.sky.com/story/smoking-a-single-cigarette-could-take-20-minutes-off-life-expectancy-new-study-says-13281668