29/06/2026
The current status of research on the risks of loneliness and social isolation is similar to that of research on obesity 3 decades ago—although further research on causal pathways is needed, researchers now know both the level of risk and the social trends suggestive of even greater risk in the future. Current evidence indicates that heightened risk for mortality from a lack of social relationships is greater than that from obesity (Flegal, Kit, Orpana, & Graubard, 2013; Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010), with the risk from social isolation and loneliness (controlling for multiple other factors) being equivalent to the risk associated with ** Grades 2 and 3 obesity **. Affluent nations have the highest rates of individuals living alone since census data collection began and also likely have the highest rates in human history, with those rates projected to increase (e.g., Euromonitor International, 2014). In a recent report, researchers have predicted that loneliness will reach epidemic proportions by 2030 unless action is taken (Linehan et al., 2014). Although living alone can offer conveniences and advantages for an individual (Klinenberg, 2012), this meta-analysis indicates that physical health is not among them, particularly for adults *younger than 65 years of age*.
Source: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7477278918975201280