Loneliness and social isolation are just as much a threat to longevity as obesity [ScienceDaily.com]

Now research from Brigham Young University shows that loneliness and social isolation are just as much a threat to longevity as obesity.

"The effect of this is comparable to obesity, something that public health takes very seriously," said Julianne Holt-Lunstad, the lead study author. "We need to start taking our social relationships more seriously."

Loneliness and social isolation can look very different. For example, someone may be surrounded by many people but still feel alone. Other people may isolate themselves because they prefer to be alone. The effect on longevity, however, is much the same for those two scenarios.

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