A new study is offering new statistics about smoking ahead of 2025. As many people set New Year’s resolutions, whether it’s losing weight or saving money, there’s one goal that consistently tops the list but proves to be the hardest: quitting smoking.
While giving up smoking isn’t easy, researchers at a UK-based study said that if smokers quit now, they can start regaining their health over time.
The study found that each cigarette shortens a person’s life by 20 minutes, which means a pack of 20 cigarettes adds up to nearly seven hours.
The average smoker loses about a decade of life overall. Data suggests that if a smoker quits on Jan. 1, they could add a week to their lifespan by the end of February.
While tobacco use has gone down in the U.S. in recent years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that nearly 20% of Americans were still using tobacco products in 2022.
Whether it’s young adults turning to e-cigarettes or older generations sticking with traditional cigarettes, tobacco use continues to be a significant health risk. The CDC links smoking to an increased risk of cancer, heart disease and lung disease.
According to data, the CDC said tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease in Americans.
