Smoking is well known to increase the risk of a range of serious diseases. According to the NHS, as cited by LADbible, these include cancers of the mouth, throat, and lungs, as well as chronic lung diseases and frequent respiratory infections.
Researchers from University College London have now re-examined data from earlier studies to gain a more accurate understanding of the consequences of smoking. Their findings have been published in the journal Addiction.
Significant consequences
The study is based in part on data from the British Doctors Study and the Million Women Study. Researchers found that people who continue smoking throughout their lives lose an average of around 10 years of life for men and 11 years for women.
The researchers also believe the findings remain relevant today, even though smokers tend to consume fewer cigarettes on average than in the past.
Also read: Doctors reveal cause of Trump's visible hand marks
How many minutes does it cost you?
Previous research published in the BMJ and cited by LADbible suggested that each cigarette reduced life expectancy by an average of around 11 minutes.
The new analysis points to a significantly higher figure.
Researchers estimate that each cigarette reduces life expectancy by approximately 20 minutes on average. This corresponds to around 17 minutes for men and 22 minutes for women.
Sources: LADbible and Addiction.
Also read: How do you sleep at night? It could affect your cancer risk
Also read: Study links common food additives to higher blood pressure