A recent study has identified loneliness as a significant risk factor for mortality in individuals struggling with obesity. The findings suggest that addressing social isolation and loneliness may contribute to reducing health complications in this population.
The research, led by Dr. Lu Qi, a professor and interim chair of the department of epidemiology at Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, emphasizes the need to broaden the focus beyond dietary and lifestyle factors in preventing obesity-related illnesses. The study utilized data from nearly 400,000 individuals in the UK BioBank, a comprehensive biomedical database and research resource, following participants over a span from March 2006 to November 2021.
Results revealed a 36% lower incidence of all-cause mortality in individuals classified as obese who reported feeling less lonely and socially isolated during the study period. Social isolation emerged as a more significant risk factor for mortality, including cancer and cardiovascular disease, compared to depression, anxiety, and traditional lifestyle risk factors such as alcohol consumption, exercise habits, and diet.
Dr. Philipp Scherer, a professor of internal medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, noted that while the results may not be surprising, they underscore the potential benefits of addressing social isolation as a means of reducing mortality.
The study aligns with a growing recognition of loneliness as a major risk factor for poor health outcomes. A previous study from June 2023 found that socially isolated individuals were 32% more likely to die prematurely. Chronic loneliness, often considered a form of chronic stress, can adversely affect the body through stress hormones, according to Turhan Canli, a professor of integrative neuroscience.
To combat loneliness, experts recommend focusing on building quality relationships rather than simply increasing social interactions. Rachael Benjamin, a licensed clinical social worker, emphasizes the importance of feeling known and integrated into a community. Overcoming biases, particularly fatphobia, is crucial in fostering an environment where individuals with obesity feel understood and accepted.
Taking steps to combat loneliness involves introspection to identify self-isolation habits and actively making oneself available for regular social connections. Benjamin encourages individuals to be brave, take chances, and be patient, as forming quality relationships requires time, effort, and commitment.