Previous research has shown a strong link between loneliness (the subjective experience of social disconnection) and severe health problems, as well as a reduction in life expectancy.
A new study published in Nature Human Behaviour examines the character of the connection between loneliness and the risk of developing various diseases. You can read the original article here: Observational and genetic evidence disagree on the association between loneliness and risk of multiple diseases.
The researchers used data from the UK Biobank and combined behavioral data, genetic data, and hospital admissions to analyze this complex relationship.
They found a strong association between loneliness and many diseases using observational studies, but genetic evidence (Mendelian randomization) suggests this association is not necessarily causal. The study indicates that loneliness is often a marker for underlying factors, such as poorer health habits, socioeconomic factors, or mental health issues, which are the actual causes of diseases.
Results
Loneliness is linked to a range of illnesses
The study shows that loneliness is associated with an increased risk of several illnesses, particularly mental disorders, infectious diseases, and conditions affecting the nervous, respiratory, and endocrine systems.
Loneliness is likely not a direct cause of most illnesses
The MRI analyses in the study suggest there is no causal relationship between loneliness and most of the diseases examined. This indicates that loneliness may be a marker for other risk factors rather than a direct cause.
Underlying factors
The study found that socioeconomic factors, health behaviors, metabolic factors, depressive symptoms, inflammatory factors, and comorbidities accounted for a significant portion of the association between loneliness and disease. This underscores the importance of addressing these underlying factors to improve health outcomes for lonely individuals.
Loneliness is a public health issue
Although loneliness may not be a direct cause of most somatic illnesses, it remains a serious public health issue. Loneliness is associated with a range of negative mental health outcomes, making it essential to find ways to prevent and reduce loneliness in society.
Measures to reduce loneliness
The study highlights the need for initiatives aimed at reducing loneliness and its associated risk factors. Such measures could include:
Strengthening social connections: Facilitating social activities and meeting spaces to help people build and maintain meaningful relationships.
Addressing underlying health issues: Depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems can contribute to loneliness. Early identification and treatment of these issues can be crucial.
Promoting healthful behaviors: Encouraging a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep.
Supporting vulnerable groups: The elderly, individuals with chronic illnesses, and immigrants are particularly vulnerable to loneliness. Providing targeted support programs for these groups can help reduce loneliness.
Summary
The study contributes important knowledge about the relationship between loneliness and disease. It highlights the need for a holistic approach in public health and clinical practice, taking into account both social and medical factors to improve health and well-being across the population.
Readings
Julie Christiansen, Rikke Lund, Pamela Qualter, Christina Maar Andersen, Susanne S Pedersen, Mathias Lasgaard, Loneliness, Social Isolation, and Chronic Disease Outcomes, Annals of Behavioral Medicine, Volume 55, Issue 3, March 2021, Pages 203–215, https://doi.org/10.1093/abm/kaaa044
Liang, Y.Y., Zhou, M., He, Y. et al. Observational and genetic evidence disagree on the association between loneliness and risk of multiple diseases. Nat Hum Behav (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-024-01970-0
This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
