Research has shown that the amount of time a single cigarette takes off your life is now believed to be twice as much as previously thought.
The average time a cigarette takes off your life has been revealed, and it’s far greater than originally thought.
Once a widespread habit normalized in the 20th century, smoking is no longer as popular or common as it once was.
As people become more aware of the serious health risks associated with smoking, and with the UK considering a tobacco ban in the near future, it may soon become a habit of the past.
Taking up smoking can significantly shorten your lifespan. A popular 2000 study claimed it cuts about 11 minutes off your life per cigarette, meaning a pack of 20 could take almost four hours from your life.
The risks and long-term effects of regular smoking are well-documented: decreased lung capacity, a higher risk of cancer, heart attacks, and more.
However, health benefits begin to take effect just 20 minutes after your last cigarette. But what if you continue smoking? How much damage are you really doing?
While earlier studies suggested less severe impacts, new research from the University College London, commissioned by the Department of Health, reveals the consequences are even worse than initially thought.
How much does one cigarette take off your lifespan?
The researchers conducted their study using new data from long-term studies tracking the population’s wellbeing. Their findings revealed that, on average, each cigarette smoked shortens a person’s life by 20 minutes, nearly double the estimate from previous studies.
For men, each cigarette reduces their lifespan by 17 minutes, while women lose about 22 minutes per cigarette.
Additionally, the study found that if someone who smokes ten cigarettes a day quits on New Year’s Day, they would save an entire day of their life by January 8. This pattern continues, with their life expectancy increasing by a week by February 20, a month by August 5, and a total of 50 days by the end of 2025.
Dr. Sarah Jackson, a principal researcher at the UCL Alcohol and Tobacco Research Group, shared with The Guardian: “People generally understand that smoking is harmful but often underestimate the extent of the damage.
“On average, smokers who don’t quit lose about a decade of life. That’s 10 years of precious time, missed moments, and milestones with loved ones.”
The study’s authors stated: “We estimate that, on average, smokers who continue smoking lose roughly 20 minutes of life expectancy per cigarette.
“This is time that would likely be spent in relatively good health.
“Quitting smoking at any age is beneficial, but the earlier smokers stop, the longer and healthier their lives can be.”
