It is the biggest risk factor for death in obese people, study finds

Loneliness is a human experience that many experience in different ways. Currently, It is not only presented as an emotional experience, but as a public health problem that affects individuals of all ages.

According to a new study , Loneliness and social isolation affect obese people much more than those who are not obese, which highlights it as a risk factor for mortality.

Fatphobia, or discrimination based on weight or body appearance, can lead to stigma and social rejection. Obese people may face prejudice, ridicule and discrimination because of their weight, making them feel marginalized and excluded. This social stigma can make it difficult to establish and maintain healthy relationships.

Obesity is a widespread and growing global concern. In high-income countries, about 30% of the general population is classified as obese, the study notes. In 2023, a survey conducted by Meta-Gallup found that nearly 1 in 4 people people everywhere report feeling quite or very alone .

The study published in Open JAMA Network analyzed the link between improved social isolation and loneliness with the mortality risk of almost 400,000 people with and without obesity from a database from the British BioBank .

The results showed that Improving social isolation and loneliness reduced the risk of all-cause mortality by 36% among obese participants and by 9% among those not obese.

Additionally, social isolation is more important than loneliness, depression, anxiety, cancer, cardiovascular disease and lifestyle risk factors in estimating mortality risk, the study notes .

The people included in the research did not have cardiovascular disease at the start of data collection. The researchers then followed up between March 2006 and November 2021, according to the study.

“To date, diet and lifestyle factors are the main target for obesity-related disease prevention,” Dr. Lu Qi, lead author of the study, said in a letter. electronic mail addressed to cnn .

“Our study highlights the importance of taking into account social and mental health to improve the health of obese people” said Qi, professor and director of the Obesity Research Center at Tulane University.

Social isolation and loneliness may be associated with unhealthy eating habits. People experiencing loneliness often turn to food as a form of comfort or emotional distraction. This can lead to an increase in the consumption of foods high in calories, fats and sugars, contributing to the development of obesity.

Social isolation and loneliness can also lead to chronic stress, which in turn can have negative health effects. Chronic stress has been linked to changes in eating habits and the release of hormones such as cortisol, which can contribute to weight gain and obesity.

“Lack of social support may exacerbate health-risk behaviors in obese people, including smoking, inactivity, and unhealthy diets, and may also neglect health-protective behaviors, such as following recommendations” , said Dr. Lokesh Shahani, PhD, associate. professor of psychiatry at UTHealth Houston, who was not involved in the study. Medical news today

Experts agree that increased socialization can motivate people to adopt healthier behaviors. To help people stay connected, it can be helpful to participate in group activities and hobbies you enjoy, regularly take time to talk with friends and family, and volunteer in your community. community.

“People who engage in meaningful, productive activities that they enjoy with others have a sense of purpose and tend to live longer” » said Dr. Shahani. “For example, helping others through volunteering helps you feel less alone and allows you to have a sense of mission and purpose in life. »

Looking for activities that might interest him, from games to sports, could be a way to socialize with other people and make connections. Some recommendations are to seek social support, try to communicate with friends, family or colleagues. Making a phone call, sending a text message, or participating in social activities can be key to initiating communication and gradually building meaningful relationships.

Developing social skills can improve self-confidence and make it easier to create meaningful connections. Effective communication, conflict management and empathy are important aspects to consider.

But if the feeling of isolation is overwhelming or persistent, consider seeking help from a mental health professional . A therapist or counselor can give you the support you need to explore and manage these feelings.