More than 14 MILLION Brits have quit smoking – and for the first time ex-smokers outnumber those hooked by two to one
There are 7.2million smokers in Britain compared with 14.6million who have already quit
EX-smokers now outnumber smokers by more than two to one.
Public Health England said 7.2 million people across the country continue to smoke, which is 16.9 per cent or less than one in six adults.
This is down from a peak of 46 per in 1974.
Figures show 14.6 million people have kicked the habit, meaning there are now twice as many ex-smokers than smokers for the first time.
A further 2.5 million tried to quit last year, with 500,000 being successful.
The figures were released by PHE as they prepare for Stoptober – their campaign to encourage the nation’s remaining smokers to quit for the month of October.
Studies show people are five times more likely to quit for good if they give up the habit for 28 days.
Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood, former cricketer Phil Tufnell and Atomic Kitten singer Natasha Hamilton will be taking part in the challenge.
Officials are focusing their campaign online this year, with more than £500,000 being ploughed into Facebook advertising.
Last week PHE boss Duncan Selbie said almost three quarters of smokers use the social media site.
Professor Kevin Fenton, National Director of Health and Wellbeing for Public Health England said: “While it is amazing that there are over twice as many ex-smokers as current smokers in England there are still over 7 million people regularly lighting up.
“Alongside unhealthy diet, smoking is the biggest cause of preventable early death in England, accounting for over 78,000 deaths a year.
“Quitters will soon see they have reduced blood pressure, easier breathing and better circulation.
“Stopping smoking is the best thing a smoker can do to improve their health.”
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Dr Mike Knapton, Associate Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation, said: “Quitting smoking is the single best thing you can do for your heart health.
“Coronary Heart Disease is the UK’s single biggest killer and by giving up smoking you’ll be dramatically reducing your chances of having a potentially deadly heart attack or stroke.
“Stoptober is the perfect opportunity for people to take action to protect their health and join thousands of others who are also making a quit attempt this month.”
Ex- England cricketer and Question of Sport captain Phil Tufnell said: “I have smoked pretty steadily since I was a teenager – even through my cricket career.
“I have tried to give up before and know how tough it is, but I am going to try and quit again from October.”
PHE also released regional figures on areas that have seen the biggest decreases in smoking rates over the last four years.
Smoking rates in the South West have fallen from 18.7 per cent to 15.5 per cent and in the North East the percentage of smokers has fallen from 22 per cent to 18.7 per cent.
In Yorkshire and Humber the number of smokers dipped from 21.9 per cent to 18.6 per cent.