Dr Jeremy London, a board-certified cardiovascular surgeon with over 25 years of experience, has warned that smoking is the single most dangerous habit that damages every organ in the body. He made the remarks during an appearance on The Mel Robbins Podcast, where he was asked what he absolutely avoids as a surgeon.
Smoking Tops the List of Avoided Habits
When podcast host Mel Robbins asked Dr London to name the number one thing he avoids, he replied without hesitation: 'Smoking is top of the list.' He elaborated: 'I cannot come up with one single thing that does as much damage to every organ in the body as smoking cigarettes. And look, it's incredibly addictive, and I know that, and I pass no judgment because I know how difficult it is.'
Dr London, who has over one million Instagram followers and regularly shares educational videos, emphasized the widespread impact of smoking. 'I've been dealing with patients who are chronic smokers for years. I understand that. That doesn't change the fact that it is the single most dangerous thing you can do for yourself, not to mention the causal relationship with lung cancer, and I could keep going. So it's probably one, two, and three on the list to begin with.'
Health Risks and Recovery After Quitting
According to NHS Better Health, smoking can cause heart disease, cancer, vision loss, dementia, and high blood pressure, among other conditions. The health service notes: 'The good news is your body will start to heal almost immediately after you quit. Within just 20 minutes, your pulse rate will return to normal.'
After eight hours, harmful chemicals like carbon monoxide in the blood halve, allowing more oxygen to flow. After 10 years, the risk of dying from lung cancer is half that of someone who still smokes.
Support Available for Quitting
The NHS provides free local stop smoking services staffed by expert advisers. These services offer proven methods, accurate information, and professional support during the first few months of quitting. They also help access treatments like nicotine replacement therapy and medicines such as bupropion. More information is available on the NHS website.
