Smoking Shortens Life by 20 Minutes Per Cigarette, Study Warns
A new study conducted by researchers from University College London (UCL) reveals that smoking reduces life expectancy by an average of 20 minutes per cigarette. Alarmingly, the impact differs by gender, with women losing 22 minutes per cigarette compared to 17 minutes for men.
This research, commissioned by the UK’s Department for Health and Social Care, is based on long-term population health data. It highlights that the damage caused by smoking is cumulative, making it critical to quit as early as possible. Previous estimates suggested each cigarette reduced life by 11 minutes, but this updated analysis underscores the even greater risks.
Immediate Benefits of Quitting
The study demonstrates the tangible benefits of quitting smoking. For instance, a person smoking 10 cigarettes daily who quits on January 1, 2025, could:
Prevent the loss of one full day of life by January 8.
Gain an additional week of life by February 20.
Extend their lifespan by an entire month by August 5.
By the end of the year, they could avoid losing 50 days of life.
Dr. Sarah Jackson, principal research fellow at UCL’s Alcohol and Tobacco Research Group, emphasized, “The sooner a person stops smoking, the longer they live. Quitting at any age substantially improves health, and the benefits start almost immediately.”
Impact on Health
The study highlights that smoking primarily shortens the relatively healthy middle years of life rather than the later years marked by chronic illness. For example, a 60-year-old smoker often has the health profile of a 70-year-old non-smoker.
Call to Action
UK health officials encourage smokers to utilize resources like the NHS Quit Smoking app and the Personal Quit Plan for tailored advice and support.
Professor Sanjay Agrawal, a special adviser on tobacco at the Royal College of Physicians, stated, “Every cigarette smoked costs precious minutes of life, and the cumulative impact is devastating—not only for individuals but also for our healthcare system and economy.”
Conclusion
The study concludes with a strong message: quitting smoking at any age brings immediate and long-term health benefits. It’s never too late to take the first step towards a healthier, longer life.
