Loneliness Is Worse than Obesity

Let’s take a look at the second study on loneliness by the same research group and presented at the 2017 American Psychological Association Convention. In this study, researchers analyzed 70 studies in a meta-analysis; simply put, it’s a way of combining data from many studies to get a more robust statistical look at an issue. In this case, the number of subjects was over three million from countries all over the world.

What they found was that social isolation, loneliness, and living alone were all independently associated with early mortality similar to obesity and other physical risk factors. The researchers called for more research to find out how to address these factors. Their concern was that as the population of the world ages, this could become a greater public health issue.

How at risk are you? Is this a real concern? What can you do about? I’ll finish this up on Saturday.

What are you prepared to do today?

Dr. Chet

 

Reference: www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/08/170805165319.htm