What Happens After You Stop Smoking?
Our experts have summarised the short-term and long-term health benefits of quitting smoking in this infographic.
Updated: Thursday 06 March 2025
The body begins an incredible journey of recovery from the moment an individual decides to stop smoking.
The transformative health benefits of quitting smoking begin from as little as 20 minutes, marked by the normalisation of blood pressure, and carry on thereafter, with improvements in everything from smell, taste and fertility to heart health and lung health.
The graphic below summarises the key health benefits of quitting smoking over time. Save it, share it with someone who may find it helpful, and if you are thinking of quitting smoking, click the button below to browse our range of stop-smoking treatments.
This now includes Varenicline, which is the UK’s most effective treatment to quit smoking according to the NHS.
Written by: Toby Watson
Pharmica Medical Writer
Toby (BSc) is an experienced medical writer, producing educational articles on many areas of health including sexual health, fitness, nutrition and mental health.
He particularly enjoys debunking misconceptions around heath conditions and their treatments, researching each topic in detail and writing easily-accessible content.
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