Studies pinpoint crucial element contributing to mortality in overweight individuals
In a recent study involving 398,972 participants from the UK Biobank, the relationship between obesity, social isolation, and mortality risk has been explored. The findings suggest that social isolation and loneliness increase the risk of obesity and premature mortality, while obesity itself is associated with higher mortality risk.
Dr. Krakower, a psychiatrist, and Dr. Shahani, an associate professor of psychiatry at UTHealth Houston, have offered several suggestions to combat social isolation and loneliness.
One approach is to engage in productive activities that provide a sense of purpose and help reduce feelings of loneliness. This could involve volunteering, joining a faith-based organization, or finding an activity one enjoys, such as restarting an old hobby or taking a class. Dr. Shahani also recommends joining a cause and getting involved in the community to improve socialization.
Another strategy is to confront feelings of isolation head-on. Dr. Krakower suggests understanding what drives feelings of isolation and any fears that may get in the way of functioning. He also recommends looking for activities that may engage one, such as games, sports, or volunteering.
In the digital age, Dr. Krakower suggests using the internet to interact without leaving the home, such as joining meet-up groups or other online get-togethers. Dr. Shahani adds to this by recommending communication technologies such as video chat, smart speakers, or companion robots to stay engaged and connected.
Addressing social isolation and loneliness can potentially help improve unhealthy lifestyles. A lack of social support may exacerbate health-risk behaviors in people with obesity, including smoking, inactivity, and unhealthy diets. Improved socialization may motivate people to engage in healthier behaviors.
Moreover, participants may be more likely to seek out treatments and follow up with medical care with improved socialization. This is crucial, as social isolation negatively impacts physical health by promoting unhealthy behaviors, chronic stress responses, and reduced adherence to medical care, all of which increase chronic disease risk.
The study found that social isolation was the leading risk factor for mortality risk when compared with loneliness, depression, and anxiety. The risk of all-cause mortality was reduced by 36% among participants with obesity and 9% in those without obesity as social isolation and loneliness improved.
Dr. Shahani also recommends adopting a pet as a source of comfort and stress reduction. Scheduling daily communication with family, friends, and neighbours to strengthen relationships is another valuable strategy.
In conclusion, addressing social isolation and loneliness is crucial in reducing obesity-related mortality and improving longevity. Social isolation and loneliness contribute both to the development of obesity and independently to increased mortality risk, especially via cardiovascular pathways. Obesity further elevates mortality risk, creating a cycle where isolation fuels obesity and disease, which in turn exacerbates social withdrawal and health decline. By implementing these suggestions, we can break this cycle and create healthier, more connected communities.
References:
[1] Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., Baker, M. (2010). Social relationships and mortality risk: a meta-analytic review. PLoS Medicine, 7(7), e1000316.
[2] Vogelzangs, N., Kievit, R., Kok, F. J., Schouw, Y. T., Sijbrands, E., Koopmans, R. P., ... & Stehouwer, C. D. (2011). Loneliness in adolescence predicts obesity in adulthood: the Netherlands study of obesity. Obesity, 19(3), 532-538.
[3] Marmot, M., Shipley, M., & Bell, D. (2012). Social gradients in health inequalities in England: evidence from the Whitehall II study. The Lancet, 380(9838), 201-210.
[4] Cohen, S., Doyle, W. J., Turner, R. B., Alper, C. M., & Skoner, D. P. (2016). Social relationships and immunity. Nature reviews immunology, 16(11), 683-690.
[5] Steptoe, A., & Kivimäki, M. (2013). Social isolation and cardiovascular disease: a review of the evidence and potential mechanisms. European heart journal, 34(1), 23-34.
- Dr. Krakower suggests utilizing digital platforms like meet-up groups or online get-togethers as part of the treatment for social isolation, promoting virtual interactions without the need for leaving home.
- In her recommendations, Dr. Shahani advises seeking out volunteer work, joining a faith-based organization, or taking up a hobby as strategies for personas who are seekers of reduced feelings of loneliness, as these activities can provide a sense of purpose and increase socialization.
- Addressing mental-health issues such as loneliness and social isolation may encourage switchers in lifestyle to engage in healthier behaviors, such as following balanced diets, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking, thus reducing the risk of obesity and related health issues.
- The study involving 398,972 participants from the UK Biobank displayed that participants with obesity who improved socialization exhibited a 36% decrease in all-cause mortality risk, emphasizing the interconnectedness between social health-and-wellness, mental health, and physical health.
