Social Isolation Could Kill You: Is It Just As Deadly As Obesity?

If you like being alone, then watch out. Excessive "me-time" can be deadly, according to new research by scientists at Brigham Young University. 

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

The problem with this issue is also that someone can be surrounded by people but still feel isolated due to depression or another mental health issue. On a similar note, others may simply isolate themselves socially because they are extremely introverted and prefer to be alone. Researchers found this effect to be particularly true among young populations. And although older individuals are more likely to be lonely and face a higher mortality risk, loneliness and social isolation can predict premature death among those under the age of 65.

"Not only are we at the highest recorded rate of living alone across the entire century, but we're at the highest recorded rates ever on the planet," said Tim Smith, co-author of the study. "With loneliness on the rise, we are predicting a possible loneliness epidemic in the future."

For the study, researchers analyzed data from a variety of health studies. The sample included more than 3 million participants, with information on loneliness, social isolation and living alone. Other controlled factors were also considered, including socioeconomic status, gender, age and pre-existing health conditions.

"In essence, the study is saying the more positive psychology we have in our world, the better we're able to function not just emotionally but physically," Smith concluded.