New study reveals how many minutes every stick of cigarette smoked takes off a person’s life alongside what happens when you quit
A groundbreaking study by University College London has shed new light on the devastating impact of smoking on life expectancy. According to the research, every cigarette smoked reduces a person’s lifespan by an average of 19.5 minutes. The findings emphasize the urgency of quitting smoking to reclaim lost years and improve overall health.
The Impact on Lifespan
The study, commissioned by the UK’s Department of Health and Social Care, reveals that smoking affects men and women differently. Women lose approximately 22 minutes of life for each cigarette, while men lose about 17 minutes. Over time, these minutes add up to a staggering loss of life. For instance, smoking a single pack of 20 cigarettes shortens life by nearly 7 hours.
Even occasional smoking has severe consequences. Smoking just one cigarette daily for 10 years can reduce a man’s life by 43 days and a woman’s by 56 days. These numbers present a grim reality for smokers, underscoring the cumulative damage caused by this habit.
Why Quitting Matters
The research highlights that quitting smoking at any age can significantly extend a person’s lifespan. Sarah Jackson, Principal Research Fellow at UCL’s Alcohol and Tobacco Research Group, stated, “The sooner a person stops smoking, the longer they live. Quitting at any age substantially improves health, and the benefits start almost immediately.”
Dr. Sarah Jarvis, a medical expert, added that smoking not only shortens life but also reduces the years spent in good health. Smokers are more likely to suffer from chronic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, dementia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Moreover, the study’s authors pointed out that smokers typically lose as many healthy years as total years of life, making the impact even more devastating.
Public Health Minister Andrew Gwynne described smoking as both “expensive and deadly,” emphasizing the importance of quitting. He urged smokers to take advantage of the wide range of effective products and treatments available to help them quit for good.
The findings, soon to be published in the Journal of Addiction, offer a sobering perspective on the true cost of smoking. While previous estimates suggested that each cigarette reduced life expectancy by 11 minutes, the updated figure of 19.5 minutes paints an even starker picture.
Quitting smoking is not just about extending life but also improving its quality. As Dr. Jackson noted, the benefits of quitting begin almost immediately, with health improvements visible in a matter of weeks. For those struggling to quit, support systems and medical treatments can make the process more manageable.
In conclusion, the research serves as a wake-up call for smokers, highlighting the life-altering impact of each cigarette. While the numbers are alarming, the message is clear: it’s never too late to quit and take back control of your health.
