A NEW study has found smokers age faster than non-smokers, putting them at greater risk of premature death and age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.

The research, which involved analysing routine blood test results, revealed that women who smoke aged two times faster than their non-smoking counterparts, while for men the ageing rate was 1.5 times greater.

Quit Victoria director Dr Sarah White said the findings, published in the journal Scientific Reports, revealed another lesser-known health effect linked with smoking.

‘‘We’ve known for some time that smoking damages your skin and can make you look older, but this research confirms that the effects are not just physical – a smoker’s biological clock actually speeds up too,’’ Dr White said.

‘‘Accelerated biological ageing promotes the development of age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer, and increases the risk of premature death.’’

Smokers under the age of 40 showed the greatest increase in their biological age compared to their chronological age.

The researchers used age-prediction models and found that smokers exhibited higher ageing rates than non-smokers, regardless of other health risk indicators including cholesterol ratios and fasting glucose levels.

“Quitting smoking – or not taking it up in the first place – is the ultimate, evidence-based way to stay young and healthy. So ditch the expensive anti-ageing face creams and detoxes, and put your time and energy into quitting smoking instead,” Dr White said.

“Not everyone succeeds the first time they try to quit, and some people will try multiple times before they quit for good. But it really is the best thing you can do for your health and the health of the people around you.”

Call the Quitline on 137848 or visit quit.org.au for information and tools to help plan a quit attempt. Quitline Specialists offer personalised support to help you kick the habit for good.