Teen girl smokers less likely to quit

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Figures today suggest that almost 22,000 Londoners gave up cigarettes just before and after the smoking ban introduced last July.

The greatest rise in the number of quitters was among office workers who face the inconvenience and discomfort of going outside to smoke. But teenage girls appear to be the most resistant giving up, believing cigarettes help cut their appetite and so keep them slim.

Government figures show the number of people who gave up between April and September last year increased by more than 25 per cent compared with the same period in 2006. GP Sam Everington, who manages a healthy living centre in Tower Hamlets, estimated the number quitting had doubled.

He said: "The ban has been an enormous success. Its introduction was a historic moment which has had a major impact on people's health." But teenagers, especially girls, were the least accepting of help on giving up.

He said: "They are the group that believes in immortality so are the least motivated. It is also very difficult because of the size zero issue - young girls fear they will put on weight if they quit."