A new study from University College London (UCL) has provided startling evidence on the impact of smoking on life expectancy, estimating that every cigarette smoked costs men an average of 17 minutes of life, while women lose 22 minutes. This research, conducted by UCL’s Department of Health, draws on extensive long-term studies that have tracked the wellbeing of the population over time.
The study’s findings suggest that quitting smoking can rapidly reverse some of the damage caused by the habit. For instance, a smoker who gives up 10 cigarettes a day on January 1 could save a full day of life by January 8. By February 20, they could potentially add a week to their lifespan, and by August 5, they could extend their life by a whole month.
The authors of the paper stressed that quitting smoking sooner rather than later dramatically increases life expectancy and quality of health. “We estimate that on average, smokers who do not quit lose approximately 20 minutes of life expectancy for each cigarette they smoke. This is time that would likely be spent in relatively good health,” the researchers explained.
Dr. Sarah Jackson, a leading expert from the UCL Alcohol and Tobacco Research Group, emphasized the critical importance of quitting early: “The sooner a person stops smoking, the longer they live,” she said. This study serves as a stark reminder that every cigarette smoked contributes to a shorter, less healthy life, while quitting offers a tangible chance to regain those precious minutes.
The research highlights the urgent need for smoking cessation efforts and supports public health initiatives aimed at helping individuals break free from tobacco addiction.