Stopping smoking is possibly the single most important step a person can take to improve their well-being, whatever their age.
The long time horizon of benefits generally associated with smoking cessation means that more acute gains from stopping smoking may be motivating, especially for younger smokers.
This briefing summarises evidence relating to short-term positive consequences of smoking cessation, covering quick gains within the first year of stopping smoking related to physical and mental health, financial benefits, as well as psychosocial, behavioural and cosmetic improvements.