All news
Half of 'one-a-day' smokers claim to have quit
January 31, 2012
Research suggests that many people claim to have given up smoking, when they actually light up on a regular basis.
Millions of people who claim to be non-smokers actually light up on a regular basis - a practice that could invalidate their private medical insurance.
A poll of 2,000 people by research firm One Poll on behalf of the Co-operative Pharmacy found that 51 per cent of people who smoke once a day claim to have quit the habit.
One in eight (12.5 per cent) say they have given up despite smoking occasionally, and 57 per cent hide their smoking from their partners, family members and friends.
Fiona Caplan-Dean, clinical services manager at the Co-operative Pharmacy, said: "Light smokers in particular convince themselves that they have quit but still smoke.
"Just smoking one or two cigarettes a day has an impact on health and is detrimental to your skin and appearance."
Giving up smoking provides a range of health benefits, including a reduced risk of lung cancer, heart disease and asthma.
However, ex-smokers also enjoy financial benefits, as people who successfully kick the habit can look forward to lower private medical insurance premiums in the future.
Private Health Insurance News
