Smokers lose 20 minutes of life with a single cigarette: New study

Women lose an average of 22 minutes of life per cigarette, while men lose 17 minutes, according to a new study by researchers from University College London (UCL).

Earlier estimates suggested that each cigarette shortened life by about 11 minutes. However, the latest study, based on long-term population health data, found that smoking costs an average of 20 minutes of life per cigarette across both genders.

The research, commissioned by UK's Department for Health and Social Care, highlights that the damage caused by smoking is cumulative. This means the earlier someone quits smoking, the better their chances of living a longer and healthier life.

The study highlights the immediate benefits of quitting, if one does it on January 1. For example:

. A person smoking 10 cigarettes a day could prevent the loss of one full day of life within just eight days of quitting.

. By February, they could gain an extra week of life.

. By August, they could extend their lifespan by an entire month.

"A person smoking 10 cigarettes per day who quits smoking on the 1st of January 2025 could prevent loss of a full day of life by the 8th of January, a week of life by the 20th of February, and a month by the 5th of August. By the end of the



year, they could have avoided losing 50 days of life," the authors wrote.

Dr Sarah Jackson, principal research fellow from the UCL Alcohol and Tobacco Research Group, said, "The sooner a person stops smoking, the longer they live. Quitting at any age substantially improves health, and the benefits start almost immediately."

The study also pointed out that smoking primarily affects relatively healthy middle years of life, rather than shortening the end-of-life period marked by chronic illness. For instance, a 60-year-old smoker typically has the health profile of a 70-year-old non-smoker.

UK health officials have encouraged smokers, via this study, to use resources like the NHS Quit Smoking app and the Personal Quit Plan, which offer advice and support to help quit smoking successfully.

Professor Sanjay Agrawal, special adviser on tobacco at the Royal College of Physicians, emphasized the broader impact of smoking: "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."

The study concluded with a clear 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 life.