Trying to quit smoking? It will take you FIVE years and seven attempts

Quitting for the last time: It will take you at least seven attempts to stop smoking, a survey has found

The average smoker takes five years and seven attempts to give up the fags, a report revealed yesterday.

Researchers studied the behaviour of 3,000 smokers and ex-smokers. They found most quit over fears for their long-term health.

Other common reasons include their smoking being a turn-off to the opposite sex, struggling with breath, and 'being judged'.

Professor Cary Cooper at Lancaster University said: 'Giving up cigarettes is a very difficult and stressful time - especially during the first week when your withdrawal symptoms and cravings are at their strongest.

'To get through that first week, it's helpful to have a 'stop smoking buddy', someone who can support and encourage you when you're feeling tempted as it's much harder to renege when your friends know you're trying to give up.

'Certain times of the day can be more difficult than others so it may help to keep yourself busy by taking up a new hobby or exercise to take your mind off your craving.

'It is also a good idea to make a list of the reasons why you want to stop smoking and think of yourself as a non-smoker rather than an ex-smoker.

'The craving will only last a couple of minutes so don't give in.'

The study found most smokers gave up when they began to worry about their health.

There was also a consensus across the smokers that they felt that they were judged more for smoking now than they were in the past.

More than half said their habit had made them feel embarrassed and insecure.

The study, commissioned by Nicorette, also revealed half of those who quit on New Year's Eve started smoking again within ten days.

Nearly all agreed the first week without fags was one of the toughest periods of their lives and said it was more stressful than going through a divorce or planning a wedding.

The average age to give up smoking is 27 - and the report found it takes roughly three months to feel like a non-smoker.

Nearly half said that giving up smoking meant that they had put on weight and one in five said they had initially put on 'a lot' of weight.