05/03/2005
Only 8% Of UK population will be smokers by 2050
Nicorette *press release* Only 8% Of UK population will be smokers by 2050 - one third of today's number - New report in advance of no smoking day
More radical Government measures could drop smoking numbers to 1%
A new report predicts that in the future, smoking cigarettes will be seen as a vice on a par with drug addiction or alcoholism, with smoking numbers down to only 8 per cent of the UK population by 2050.* According to the report ahead of No Smoking Day, a key aid for this decline will be the growing popularity of stop smoking products such as nicotine replacement therapy, which doubles the chance of successfully quitting compared to willpower alone.**
One of the scenarios outlined in the report goes even further and suggests that measures such as more Government legislation for example making tobacco illegal, or a new vaccine type treatment for nicotine addiction, could virtually wipe out smoking by 2050, with numbers down to an amazing 1 per cent of the UK population. The report, Up in Smoke: Quitting Smoking in the 21st Century, which is the first of its kind in the UK and is released today by the Future Foundation on behalf of Nicorette, reveals a range of current and growing trends that will lead to this decline including:
-
increasing development of stop smoking aids to help smokers quit successfully
-
increase in legislation to reform smoking behaviour
-
growing support for more anti-smoking policies especially from the younger generation
-
lawsuits against tobacco companies forcing them to cease trading
-
massive increase in the numbers of over-60s in the UK who are living longer and smoking less
-
EU governments possibly coming together to impose stricter controls on smuggling and raise tobacco taxes
The increasing use of stop smoking aids such as nicotine replacement therapy as one of the key drivers for future trends is supported in a recent survey which showed that as many as six in ten smokers may use a stop smoking product such as nicotine replacement therapy to help them quit for good, with 63 per cent opting for the 16 hour patch followed by 35 per cent for the gum.***
Ben Youdan, from the charity No Smoking Day, comments: “At No Smoking Day we welcome a report of this kind as it provides valuable insights into future smoking trends and gives us an indication that current efforts to reduce the number of smokers in the UK will pay off in the long term which is great news for smokers’ health.”
Smokers who quit have much more to look forward to than previously thought. In addition to the health and financial benefits of giving up smoking, quitters are more likely to see an improvement in levels of stress or depression as well as in general happiness. Quitters are 20 per cent more likely to register improvements in satisfaction with income, 14 per cent more likely to be happier with their spouse or partner and 4 per cent more likely to register increased satisfaction with their health compared to smokers.
The report also highlights positive changes to leisure and social pursuits with 33 per cent of quitters going to the cinema more often than in the previous year, by comparison with 25 per cent of smokers, 30 per cent eating out, 25 per cent going to theatres and concerts, 30 per cent exercising or playing sports and 24 per cent attending evening classes. Quitters also become more active around the house, with 29 per cent doing more gardening and 31 per cent doing more DIY and home maintenance.
Julie Oram, an ex-smoker, says: “Giving up smoking was difficult but I got through it and now I feel not only cleaner and healthier but also happier and much more sociable. Overall I’m really pleased with the positive effect quitting smoking has had on my physical and mental wellbeing.”
As the pioneers of nicotine replacement therapies, Nicorette understands that every smoker has a different need which is why they have the broadest range of products and unique formats available to suit individual smoking patterns and habits including the new Freshmint Gum, 16-hour Patch, Inhalator, Microtab and Nasal Spray.
The report also shows that social support such as having someone to listen to problems has a positive effect on helping smokers to quit. For support and more information on giving up smoking people are advised to go online at www.nicorette.co.uk or to call the Nicorette helpline, 0800 2 GIVE UP. Individuals can register for the Nicorette Fresh Start Complete Quitter’s Programme which is available free of charge and provides expert advice during the difficult quit period. The programme has helped over 100,000 people in their attempt to stop smoking. For registration either telephone 0800 389 3210 or go online to www.nicorette.co.uk/freshstart.
*Contains nicotine. Requires willpower. Always read the label. Ask your pharmacist for advice.
- Ends -
Note to Editors:
-
This research was conducted by The Future Foundation on behalf of Nicorette, inventor of the nicotine replacement therapy
-
No Smoking Day takes place on 9 March 2005. For further information visit www.nosmokingday.org.uk
Media Contact:
For further information or to arrange an interview with an expert / case study, please contact Paschorina Mortty or Diana Bourne on 020 7108 6400 / 07957 346 189
Paschorina.mortty@shirehealthlondon.com
Diana.bourne@shirehealthlondon.com
References:
* Up in Smoke: Quitting Smoking in the 21st Century. Future Foundation. February 2005
** Silagy C. Nicotine Replacement Therapy for Smoking Cessation (Cochrane Review). Cochrane Library 2005 (1)
*** Nicorette Time to Quit Survey 2004. NOP. December 2004