By stopping smoking:

• The risk of you having a heart attack is dramatically reduced. 3 years after quitting you have the same chance of a heart attack as a non-smoker
• You will enjoy a longer healthier life, chances are that you will live 16 years longer than you would have as a smoker
• Your sense of taste and smell will improve
• Breathing will be easier, you will feel fitter and better
• You will look younger for longer, stopping early wrinkles from appearing
• Your chances of having a healthier pregnancy and baby are increased
• You won't cough in the morning

Within minutes of stopping smoking you'll feel the benefits:

• 20 minutes - Blood pressure and pulse return to normal
• 1 hour - Your circulation improves and your hands and feet feel warmer
• 8 hours - Nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in the body fall, oxygen levels in your blood return to normal
• 1 day - Your lungs begin to work better, and carbon monoxide is removed from your body
• 2 days - Your taste and smell improves, and nicotine is removed from your body
• 3 days - Breathing becomes easier and you start to have more energy too
• 2 weeks - Withdrawal symptoms begin to ease. Walking and daily tasks become easier to do
• 1 month - Withdrawal symptoms have stopped, while breathing and energy levels continue to improve
• 1 year - Risk of heart attack halved
• 10 years - Risk of lung cancer halved

Will I gain weight when I stop smoking?

It is a common misconception that when you stop smoking you will gain weight. Many people who stop smoking do not gain any weight at all.

• Many people who give up smoking do not gain any weight
• Giving up smoking is the best thing you can do for your health
• The risk of gaining a large amount of weight is very low
• There are many benefits to stopping smoking, and you'll start to feel some of them after just 20 minutes of quitting
• People that do gain weight when they stop smoking generally only gain a small amount, usually less than 8 pounds
• Smoking is far worse for your health than a few extra pounds
• The key to weight control is eating a healthy, balanced diet, and staying active