There is some discussion in the research field about the differences between heavy and light smokers. This is a twofold question. One is the health effects of smoking lightly instead of heavy and the other is the degree of difficulty that a light smoker would have as opposed to a heavy smoker if they choose to quit smoking. The factor that decides which a person is, heavy or light, is determined by the number of cigarettes that are smoked in a day. If it is over twenty five the person is considered to be a heavy smoker.

This question of the difference between light and heavy smokers quitting is an interesting one for the research community. They want to know if the light smoker would have an easier time quitting. They want to know if the cravings are different when they stop. Their curiosity is piqued and they think it might help them better understand the hold that nicotine has on the smoker. Studies are beginning to answer this question and it comes up the same. A light smoker has the same cravings and withdrawal symptoms as a heavy smoker. Yet, despite these similar carvings those who fall into the category of light smoker find it easier to give up the habit.

Over the last few years smoking in the United States has been going down but the group who are heavy smokers is getting bigger. Light smokers are more likely to be women and have smoked for a shorter time; they are more likely to be considering giving up smoking and less likely to have discussed it with their health care provider.

The fact is that there is a lot of contrast between those who are heavy smokers and those who are light smokers; those who smoke ten or less cigarettes daily. Despite the similarities and the differences the one thing that stands out is that no matter which category a smoker fits into the dangers to their health is exactly the same. Most light smokers assume they have no reason to quit lighting up. After all they only smoke a few cigarettes a day and how can that compare with the person they know who burns up a pack daily. They assume that they are protected by smoking less. This is very wrong. Light smokers have the same increased risk factors for heart disease, lung cancer and premature aging as those who smoke a lot every day. Either way the smoker damages their health.

Studies reported that light smokers were three times as likely to die of coronary heart disease or lung cancer as those who did not smoke at all. The highest risk group among light smokers seemed to be those who smoked one to four cigarettes daily. These results startled a lot of people including those who thought themselves safe because they only smoked a little. The facts are that smoking is bad for your health no matter how many cigarettes you smoke daily. The only answer to these health concerns is to quit smoking.