Improvement of social ties and alleviation of loneliness may Significantly Lower Mortality Risk in Individuals with Obesity

In a groundbreaking study utilizing data from the UK Biobank, researchers have unearthed a powerful link between social connections, obesity, and mortality risk. The cohort study, spanning from March 2006 to November 2021 and including nearly 400,000 participants without cancer or cardiovascular disease, sheds light on the profound impact of social isolation and loneliness on the health outcomes of individuals grappling with obesity. The study found that obese people who are isolated less have decreased all-cause mortality risk. 

The study findings were published in the journal JAMA Network Open. 

People with obesity often face significantly elevated levels of social isolation and loneliness compared to their non-obese counterparts. However, there is limited understanding of whether addressing and improving social isolation or loneliness could potentially reduce the heightened risk of mortality associated with obesity. Hence, researchers conducted a cohort study to investigate whether improvement of social isolation or loneliness is associated with lower obesity-related excess risk of mortality. Using data from the UK biobank, researchers measured the all-cause, cancer-related, and CVD-related mortality as the primary outcome. 

Findings:

• The study reveals a striking inverse relationship between social connections and mortality risk among those with obesity.
• Individuals with obesity and a minimal social isolation index of 0 demonstrated a significantly lower hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality compared to their counterparts with an index of 2 or greater.
• As the index of social isolation decreased, indicating stronger social ties, the protective effect against mortality became increasingly evident. This trend was statistically significant (P for trend < .001), emphasizing the importance of social connections in the face of obesity-related health challenges.
• Similarly, loneliness emerged as a crucial factor influencing mortality risk in individuals with obesity.
• Those with obesity and a loneliness index of 0 exhibited a lower HR for all-cause mortality compared to those with an index of 2.
• The HR continued to decrease as the loneliness index diminished, signifying a tangible protective effect against mortality (P for trend < .001).
• Perhaps most noteworthy is the revelation that social isolation outranked loneliness, depression, anxiety, and lifestyle-related risk factors such as alcohol consumption, physical activity, and diet in estimating the risks of all-cause mortality, cancer-related mortality, and cardiovascular disease-related mortality.
• The comprehensive findings demonstrate that as the index of social isolation and loneliness dropped, individuals with obesity experienced a remarkable 36% and 9% decrease in the HR for all-cause mortality, respectively, compared to those without obesity. 

The study underscores the critical role of social connections in mitigating the impact of obesity on mortality. Beyond conventional risk factors, addressing social isolation and loneliness emerges as a pivotal aspect of holistic health strategies. The findings pave the way for novel interventions focused on enhancing social support networks for individuals grappling with obesity.

In conclusion, this cohort study establishes a compelling association between social connections, obesity, and mortality risk. The potential for interventions to improve social ties and alleviate loneliness offers a beacon of hope for enhancing the well-being and longevity of individuals navigating the complexities of obesity. This research not only informs future healthcare strategies but also underscores the profound impact of social connections on overall health outcomes.

Further reading: Zhou J, Tang R, Wang X, Li X, Heianza Y, Qi L. Improvement of Social Isolation and Loneliness and Excess Mortality Risk in People With Obesity. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(1):e2352824. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.52824