According to a new research by the Brigham Young University, the effects of loneliness are comparable to those of obesity and 15 cigarettes a day.
With this result, loneliness can and will affect ones longevity. Julianne Holt-Lunstad, the lead study author confirmed that the effect of loneliness is like obesity, that is something that public health, in any country, takes very seriously, she also added that everyone need to start taking their social relationships very seriously, HNGN reported.
The research also uncovered that loneliness is commonly present in younger age groups, despite the fact that the older generations are more likely to feel lonely. The study also shows the effects are equal and the same regardless if someone who feels lonely even if there are people around them and those who totally isolate themselves.
The co-author of the study, Tim Smith also noted that our generation is the highest recorded rate of living alone and we are at the highest recorded rates ever on the planet. He also said that with loneliness rising, they are predicting a possible epidemic of loneliness in the future.
In addition, according to Express, the research involves at least three million participants. The result also stated that although there is a significant rise in loneliness, on the flip side, those who has strong relationships and do not feel alone has a significant health benefits.
The co-author added that in essence, the study shows that having a positive outlook in this world, the better we will function not just emotionally but physically as well.