Shocking findings show how smoking even just at the weekend could shorten your lifespan

A new set of data has revealed how even the occasional social smoke can ultimately shorten your lifespan.

I think we're well aware of the health downsides to smoking 20 cigarettes a day, but have you ever thought about the damage being caused when you have the occasional smoke?

I mean, it can certainly be tempting to have a cheeky smoke in the blazing hot sunshine in Greece while on holiday with a beer in hand, but surely one wouldn't hurt?

Well, studies have found that's certainly not the cas,e and the odd cigarette here and there can actually cause some damage.

Heck, some new findings have concluded just one cigarette can shorten a person’s lifespan by 20 minutes, which doesn't sound like a lot, but if you add it all up, it could be a significant chunk of time.

The study looked into how even social smokers can be impacted by poor health (Getty Stock Photo)

Northerner, a company that offers a range of nicotine products, has created an online ‘life savings calculator’ tool that details the long-term effects of social smoking in particular.

Research on behalf of the company found that those who opt for a daily cigarette could take two weeks off their life for every year they continue to smoke at this rate.

Meanwhile, those of you who are a bit more of a social smoker and have, say, five cigarettes a weekend could see two weeks off their life for every year taken away.

And then you've got the holiday smokers, who have a cigarette when all they have to worry about is what cocktail they're planning on having next from the poolside bar.

Well, research found those who enjoy a few daily cigarettes while on their travels could be losing an entire day of their life for every time they go on holiday.

Social smokers are at risk (Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Markus Lindblad, an expert in the field of nicotine and Head of External Affairs at Northerner, said: “Even though social smokers smoke less frequently than daily smokers, the health risks are still very real. Social smoking still increases your risk of disease and affects your appearance, relationships, and finances. It isn’t risk-free, even if it feels casual."

The expert added: “Quitting smoking is a personal decision, and many resources exist to support those who choose to take this step. Some individuals choose to stop smoking without substitutes, while others explore alternative nicotine products. It’s important that all smokers, even social smokers, understand the long-term, serious consequences. We encourage anyone who currently smokes to use our online tool to understand how their particular smoking habits will affect their longevity in life and hopefully it can be the catalyst for change.”