Loneliness is more harmful than obesity.

Loneliness is more harmful to health than obesity, according to a study by Brigham Young University (USA).

According to research, social connection is a fundamental need for quality of life and human survival. Social isolation negatively impacts health and can lead to premature death.

Professors at Brigham Young University conducted two studies. The first, based on a survey of 148 previous studies conducted on more than 300,000 people, showed that increased social engagement reduced the risk of premature death by 50%.

A second study, based on a survey of 70 previous studies conducted on 3.4 million people from around the world, showed that social isolation, loneliness, and living alone increase the likelihood of premature death, even more so than obesity.

This explains why social isolation is seen as a form of punishment. Infants who lack the attention and interaction of their caregivers often experience stunted growth and are at risk of premature death.

Previous studies have shown that loneliness increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease and reduces the body's ability to fight off illnesses, especially cancer.

According to PLO