Prime Highlights:
A single cigarette can decrease life expectancy by 20 minutes, according to a new study by University College London (UCL).
Women lose about 22 minutes of life per cigarette, while men lose 17 minutes on average.
The new findings nearly double previous estimates, with earlier studies suggesting a loss of 11 minutes per cigarette.
Key Background:
A recent study conducted by researchers at University College London (UCL) has revealed that smoking a single cigarette can decrease life expectancy by approximately 20 minutes. This new finding, published in the journal Addiction, is based on extensive data from the British Doctors Study and the Million Women Study.
The study shows a gender disparity in the impact of smoking on life expectancy. Women, on average, lose around 22 minutes per cigarette, while men experience a loss of about 17 minutes. These results contrast with a 2000 estimate published in the British Medical Journal, which suggested that one cigarette shortens life by only 11 minutes, based on male-only data. The updated figure represents nearly double the earlier estimate, reflecting a more comprehensive analysis.
Lion Shahab, a health psychology professor at UCL, emphasized the significance of these findings, noting that earlier estimates were based on incomplete data. In light of more recent studies, the projected life expectancy loss due to smoking has nearly doubled, now estimated at 10 years for men and 11 years for women.
However, the researchers acknowledge that individual variations can affect the accuracy of these estimates. Jamie Hartmann-Boyce, an assistant professor at the University of Massachusetts, stressed the importance of the data used, while also pointing out the limitations inherent in making such estimates.
The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies tobacco as the leading preventable cause of death globally, responsible for over 7 million deaths each year. The study underscores the importance of quitting smoking at any age, as even a single cigarette has lasting consequences on health. Furthermore, quitting smoking, especially when combined with behavioral support and medication, can significantly improve life expectancy. This new research further highlights the urgent need for public health initiatives aimed at reducing tobacco consumption and encouraging cessation.
