There’s a sobering update on smoking’s impact on life expectancy, according to new research from the University College London. Each cigarette now costs smokers approximately 20 minutes of life, nearly double the previous estimate.
This research also revealed striking gender differences: Men lose about 17 minutes per cigarette, while women face a steeper cost of 22 minutes.
“The time they’re losing is time that they could be spending with their loved ones in fairly good health,” said Dr. Sarah Jackson, lead researcher at UCL’s Alcohol and Tobacco Research Group, CNN reported.
The editorial, published in the journal Addiction, analyzed extensive data from British population studies and incorporated modern factors previously unconsidered, including socioeconomic status and contemporary smoking patterns. It updated estimates that suggested each cigarette costs about 11 minutes of life.
However, the research offers encouraging news for those looking to quit. A person smoking 10 cigarettes daily who quit on New Year’s Day could prevent the loss of a full day of life within the first week of January. By year’s end, they could save 50 days of life expectancy.
If you’re ready to reclaim those minutes, health care experts recommend setting a firm quit date and building a support network. Consider nicotine replacement therapy, which can double success rates, and connect with quit-smoking resources through your health care provider or local support groups.
The research serves as a reminder that although quitting earlier can provide the most significant benefits, stopping at any age can extend life expectancy compared to continued smoking.
“Stopping smoking is, without a doubt, the best thing you can do for your health,” Jackson said. “And the sooner you stop smoking, the longer you’ll live.”
Find more stories like this one on our Pulse Facebook page.
About the Author
