New research revises previous estimates, showing each cigarette smoked reduces life expectancy by 20 minutes

A recent study has revealed that smoking a single cigarette could shorten a person’s life by a staggering 20 minutes, a sharp increase from previous estimates which suggested it was only 11 minutes. This new finding underscores the serious and cumulative damage smoking causes to a person’s health, with every cigarette adding to the overall toll on life expectancy.

The study, commissioned by the Department for Health and Social Care and conducted by researchers at University College London (UCL), used updated data from long-term health studies to arrive at these revised figures. The research shows that for the average man, each cigarette smoked results in a loss of 17 minutes of life, while for women, that figure rises to 22 minutes. These estimates reflect the long-term effects of smoking, demonstrating just how significant the impact of smoking can be over the years.

The study also provides hope for those looking to quit. It suggests that if someone who smokes 10 cigarettes a day decides to quit on 1 January, by 8 January they could already prevent the loss of a full day of life. Furthermore, by 20 February, they could extend their life by a week, and if they manage to quit for a full seven months, they could add an entire month to their lifespan.

The findings highlight that the damage caused by smoking is not a one-off event but is cumulative. The sooner a person quits smoking, the more they can benefit in terms of both short-term and long-term health. Researchers emphasise that cutting down on cigarettes—or better still, quitting entirely—can dramatically reduce the overall harm to one’s health and life expectancy.

As the evidence continues to build, the message remains clear: quitting smoking, regardless of when it happens, can lead to a longer, healthier life. The latest figures from this research add to the growing body of knowledge about the detrimental effects of smoking and serve as a powerful reminder for people to quit or never start.