As humans, we depend on our community. Whether that is family, friends, work, neighbors, or even people we meet in seemingly simple and fleeting ways. Have you ever felt incredibly uplifted from a single, isolated conversation with a total stranger? Thats the power of connection. Isolation can be a deadly thing. Studies show that people that are isolated are more likely to experience not only depression and anxiety, but also a higher risk of stroke (+32%), heart disease (+29%), dementia (+50%), changes in brain function, type 2 diabetes, addiction, and more. But there is good news- a new study shows that for obese adults, the risk of death can be lowered by addressing loneliness and isolation.
The CDC shares that isolation is the feeling of not having any meaningful connection with others or missing a sense of belonging. It’s important to make the distinction between physical and emotional isolation as well. We’ve all likely heard the description of feeling alone in a sea of people- that’s a great way to describe emotional isolation. You can have a network of people around you, not feel connection, and consequently feel isolated. Sources share that loneliness is also distinct from solitude, which is voluntary and involves enjoying spending time alone.
To put things into perspective, the risk of all-cause death related to obesity can be significant. One study highlighted the risk of all-cause death related to obesity, dependent on specific BMI:
- Participants with BMI of 22.5-<25 kg/m2 (considered a healthy weight range) had the lowest mortality risk during the time they were followed.
- A BMI of 25-<27.5 kg/m2 was associated with a 7% higher risk of mortality
- A BMI of 27.5-<30 kg/m2 was associated with a 20% higher risk
- A BMI of 30.0-<35.0 kg/m2 was associated with a 45% higher risk
- A BMI of 35.0-<40.0 kg/m2 was associated with a 94% higher risk
- A BMI of 40.0-<60.0 kg/m2 was associated with a nearly three-fold risk.
- Every 5 units higher BMI above 25 kg/m2 was associated with about 31% higher risk of premature death.
Consequently, when considering the data from the latest study published in JAMA Network Open, a decrease in all-cause mortality simply from decreasing isolation and loneliness is equally significant. The researchers shared data that revealed obese adults that reported lower levels of social isolation and loneliness had a similar mortality risk as those without obesity. Researchers obtained data from 93,357 adults aged 40 to 70 years with obesity and 305,615 adults without obesity who enrolled in the UK Biobank from 2006 to 2010. Participants self-reported via questionnaires to assess social isolation and loneliness. Index scores for social isolation and loneliness ranged from 0 to 2. A higher index score indicated a greater level of social isolation and loneliness. All-cause, cancer and cardiovascular disease morality were assessed until the end of follow-up.
- Compared with adults without obesity, the risk for all-cause mortality declined with improvements in social isolation and loneliness.
- Adults with obesity and a social isolation index score of 0 had a similar all-cause mortality risk as adults without obesity.
- The risk for all-cause mortality among adults with obesity and a loneliness index of 0 remained higher than adults without obesity.
“Clinical studies are needed to test the effects of improvement of social isolation and loneliness on health status in humans,” said study researcher, Lu Qi, MD, PhD, HCA Regents Distinguished Chair and professor at the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, director of the Tulane University Obesity Research Center and director of the Tulane Personalized Health Institute.
Most of us have likely experienced moments of isolation or loneliness. Living in a new city, disruptions to family ties, a breakup of a relationship, new work environment- there are many situations where we may feel temporarily lonely. And in other instances, it can be imposed- as in the event of the COVID-19 lockdowns. We all know how difficult that was, and if it weren’t for technology and some creativity (e.g. outdoor, socially distanced gatherings!) the isolation would have impacted many more people. And that’s not to say many weren’t impacted. Studies show that social isolation had a “largely negative, pervasive impact on the overall wellbeing [of people], with rates of depression and anxiety increasing by 25%.
For a large portion of our population, the risk of loneliness and isolation is a daily occurrence. People that are at higher risk of experiencing isolation include:
- Low-income adults
- Young adults
- Older adults
- Adults living alone
- People with chronic diseases and disabilities
- Immigrants
- Individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (or queer)
The significant health implications linked to isolation and loneliness should not be ignored, nor should the incredible benefit of decreasing those feelings.
The latest research shows what we already know- the more we feel isolated and lonely the worse we feel emotionally and physically. When added to obesity the risk of death escalates. Just as studies have shown socializing has the same effect on pain as morphine, I have no doubt additional research will confirm how much community and connections matter in all aspects of our lives.
Feeling alone?
Reach out to someone.
Volunteer.
Talk to your provider.
Ask for help.
Get outdoors.
Have a dog? Go to the dog park.
Now that life is finally returning to normal, seek out associations, groups, agencies that align with your perspectives and needs.
Take a class- learn to paint, cook, play an instrument.
Know someone who’s alone or isolated?
Take the time to call.
Spend meaningful time together. From making a meal, playing games, or putting together a puzzle. It’s the connection that matters.
And remember to A.S.K.
Acknowledge others’ issues.
Support their needs.
Keep in touch.
In the end both sides win.
-https://www.cdc.gov/emotional-wellbeing/social-connectedness/loneliness.htm#:~:text=Social%20isolation%20and%20loneliness%20have%20been%20linked%20to,Suicidality%20and%20self-harm.%206%20Dementia.%207%20Earlier%20death.
-National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Opportunities for the Health Care System. The National Academies Press; 2020.
-https://www.verywellmind.com/the-impact-of-social-isolation-on-mental-health-7185458
-https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0219663
-https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/overweight-obesity-mortality-risk/#:~:text=Looking%20at%20specific%20causes%20of%20death%2C%20the%20study,respiratory%20disease%20mortality%2C%20and%2019%25%20for%20cancer%20mortality.
-https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9566547/