Losing weight, and kicking their habit, are top mid-year resolutions smokers set

Drinking more water, losing weight – and kicking their habit altogether – are some of the top “mid-year resolutions” made by smokers, a study has revealed.

A poll of 1,500 smokers found that almost half find it easier to stick to targets during the summer months, as they feel more energised (44%), and find it easier to stay motivated when the sun is shining (45%).

Nearly three in ten (28%) set goals for themselves in the middle of the year, such as changing their diet, working out more frequently, and being better with their money.

And it emerged that British smokers have made three previous attempts to quit the habit, with 39% thinking about this more than once a week – and 13% considering quitting daily.

But 72% say they feel much more confident about achieving their targets during the summer, than they do about resolutions made at New Year.

In fact, Google search data supports that the findings aren’t an outlying trend – as more people searched for “Give up Smoking” in the middle of June last year, than they did in any week of January this year.

Today, IQOS, a smoke-free alternative to cigarettes, has launched “The IQOS No Smoke Index”, which monitors smokers’ intentions, actions, and drivers around quitting.

Harry Wake, from the brand, said: “It’s clear the UK is undergoing a huge, societal shift away from cigarettes.

“As everyone knows, the best choice any smoker can make is to quit tobacco and nicotine products completely.

“However, for those who don’t stop, having good access to information about less harmful alternatives such as vapes, nicotine pouches, and heat-not-burn products, can be vital in helping smokers find the product that’s right for them on their switching journey.”

The study also found 76% were motivated to improve both their physical and mental health ahead of the summer holiday season.

The index findings revealed an average of 31 cigarettes were smoked by respondents each week – with smokers admitting they are often drawn back to the habit during periods of stress.

But switching to vaping, nicotine patches, gums, and lozenges were name as some of the most popular methods used to try to stop.

Harry Wake, from IQOS, added: “Research shows that the majority of smokers who use our heat-not-burn products, completely quit cigarettes for good.

“On top of this, for someone smoking a pack of cigarettes a day, they can save up to £3,000 per year, making it less harmful to health and better for your wealth – switching is a double dividend.”

TOP 10 MID-YEAR RESOLUTIONS FOR SMOKERS:

  1. Quit smoking
  2. Drink more water
  3. Lose weight
  4. Be better with money
  5. Save energy
  6. Change diet
  7. Work out more frequently
  8. Join a gym
  9. Make more effort with friends
  10. Take on a new hobby

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