A new study has revealed that smoking significantly shortens a person’s lifespan, much more than earlier medical assumptions suggested.

According to research conducted in the United Kingdom, a single cigarette reduces a person’s life by approximately 20 minutes. This means that a pack of 20 cigarettes could shorten a smoker’s life by up to five hours and 40 minutes.

Researchers from University College London factored in economic conditions, health impacts, and lifestyle variables. They discovered that women lose about 22 minutes of life for every cigarette smoked, while men lose approximately 17 minutes per cigarette.

This study aligns with previous findings that smoking is a leading cause of preventable deaths worldwide, contributing to illnesses such as lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory conditions.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that smoking is responsible for over 8 million deaths annually, with more than 7 million caused by direct tobacco use and around 1.2 million due to secondhand smoke exposure.

The research underscores the urgent need for global smoking cessation initiatives, stricter tobacco control policies, and public awareness campaigns. Health experts advise that quitting smoking, even later in life, can significantly improve life expectancy and overall health outcomes.

Dr. Jane Whitmore, a public health advocate, said, “These findings are a stark reminder of the profound harm caused by smoking. It’s never too late to quit and reclaim your health. Even small steps toward reducing cigarette consumption can lead to significant improvements in longevity.”

The study highlights the critical importance of empowering individuals with resources to quit smoking and promoting healthier alternatives to reduce the devastating impact of tobacco on society.