Top Risk Factor to Good Health Is Probably Not What You Think

The top risk factor to good health is actually loneliness.

A 2018 study published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry found that loneliness was associated with a 50% increased risk of death from all causes, including heart disease, stroke, cancer, and respiratory disease. This is comparable to the risk of smoking 15 cigarettes a day or being obese.

Loneliness has also been linked to a number of other health problems, including:

- Increased inflammation (a major risk factor for many chronic diseases)

- Poor sleep quality

- Increased stress

- Reduced immune function

- Depression

- Anxiety

- Substance abuse

The reasons why loneliness is so bad for our health are not fully understood, but it is thought that social isolation can lead to a number of negative changes in our physiology and behavior. For example, loneliness has been shown to increase levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can suppress immune function and lead to inflammation.

In addition, lonely people are more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and eating unhealthy foods. They are also less likely to get regular exercise and seek medical care when they need it.

The good news is that loneliness is a modifiable risk factor. There are a number of things we can do to reduce our risk of loneliness, including:

- Making an effort to connect with others

- Joining a club or group

- Volunteering our time

- Taking a class

- Using social media to stay in touch with friends and family

- Seeking professional help if we are feeling lonely

If you are feeling lonely, it is important to reach out and seek support. Loneliness is a serious health problem, but it is one that can be overcome.