New Study Links Loneliness to Increased Risk of Disease and Early Death

Researchers identify specific proteins linked to loneliness, offering biological insights into its impact on health.

A study of over 42,000 UK adults reveals loneliness and social isolation are linked to higher levels of proteins associated with inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and mortality.
The research, published in *Nature Human Behaviour*, identifies five proteins causally linked to loneliness, including ADM, which is tied to stress regulation and brain health, and ASGR1, associated with cholesterol and heart disease.
Loneliness is shown to influence brain regions involved in emotional and social processes, with higher protein levels correlating to smaller brain volumes and increased health risks.
The World Health Organization has identified social isolation and loneliness as a global public health concern, emphasizing the importance of social connections for physical and mental well-being.
The findings highlight potential pathways for developing treatments targeting the biological impacts of loneliness and underscore the need for societal efforts to reduce isolation.