Quit smoking on New Year’s Day: This will happen after one week

More than half of smokers are planning to quit smoking as a New Year’s resolution in 2025

Smoking is more harmful than previously thought. New research from University College London (UCL) reveals that every cigarette smoked shortens a smoker's life by an average of 20 minutes.

Published today (30 December), the study estimates that a pack of 20 cigarettes results in nearly 7 hours of life lost.

The research, commissioned by the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), also highlights the positive impacts of quitting smoking.

Smokers who stop on New Year’s Day could save a whole day of their life by 8 January, assuming they smoked 10 cigarettes daily. By 20 February, this figure increases to a week, and by the end of the year, they could avoid losing up to 50 days of life.

Public health minister Andrew Gwynne has urged smokers to make a New Year’s resolution to quit, describing smoking as “an expensive and deadly habit.”

“The new year offers a perfect chance for smokers to make a new resolution and take that step.”

“For anyone looking to quit in 2025, the NHS provide a range of services to help break free from the habit,” he said.

Gwynne underscored that this government is committed to protecting children and young people from addiction through measures like the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

The Bill, which recently passed its second reading in the House of Commons, aims to create the UK’s first smokefree generation by phasing out the sale of tobacco products to anyone born after 1 January 2009.

Separately, a Censuswide survey reveals that over half (53 per cent) of smokers plan to quit as a New Year’s resolution in 2025.

The health impact of smoking

Smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death, disability and ill health in the UK, responsible for around 80,000 deaths annually and a quarter of all cancer deaths in England. It is estimated to kill up to two-thirds of long-term users.

Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy, deputy chief medical officer, explained that smoking can have an immediate impact on lung and heart health, significantly increasing the chance of getting a chronic illness or disability and of dying young.

“Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve your current and future health. This new year, start afresh and leave smoking in the past,” she stated.

Sarah Jackson, principal research fellow, UCL Alcohol and Tobacco Research Group, added, “The sooner a person stops smoking, the longer they live.”

“Quitting at any age substantially improves health, and the benefits start almost immediately.”

According to experts, breathing becomes easier and energy levels increase within 72 hours of quitting. By 12 weeks, blood circulation improves, and after a year, the risk of heart attack is halved compared to those who continue smoking.

Support for smokers

To assist those looking to quit in 2025, the NHS offers a range of resources, including the NHS Quit Smoking app and the online Personal Quit Plan.

Additionally, the government has allocated an extra £70 million for stop smoking services in England for 2025-2026.

Many effective products and treatments are also available to help smokers quit. For example, the NHS recently rolled out varenicline, a pill designed to help thousands of smokers quit for good.