New heart disease risk: PGI study shows loneliness growing, as risky as smoking and drinking

WHY THE RURAL LONELINESS DATA IS WORRISOME

Emerging literature, says Dr Mehra, suggests that loneliness has several adverse impacts in the form of an increased risk cardiovascular diseases, premature mortality, depression, dementia, anxiety and so on. “The effects are almost comparable with the adverse consequences of smoking, alcohol, or obesity,” he adds.

Dr Rahul Chakravarty, Department of Psychiatry, PGI, and co-author of the study, says like pre-diabetes, which accelerates to diabetes if not controlled, unaddressed loneliness, too, can lead to severe depression, anxiety and other mental and physical health issues. “Lethargy, headaches, lack of hunger, overeating junk food in the young, joint pains, fatigue and obesity are classic symptoms we often see in people who are lonely and stressed. They are not motivated to work, step out, or meet people. Sitting idle and depressed for two hours is equal to smoking one cigarette and has a similar health impact,” explains Dr Chakravarty.

Anchal Sharma, counselling psychologist at the Department of Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences, Fortis Hospital, Mohali, says that loneliness is often seen as just an emotional state, but its effects can significantly impact our physical health. “Research has shown that individuals who experience persistent loneliness are at a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. This is because loneliness triggers a stress response in the body, leading to increased levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that, when elevated over time, can damage blood vessels and organs,” says Sharma.

Loneliness can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and illnesses. This can also slow down the healing process, prolonging recovery from injuries or surgeries. Sleep disturbances are another common consequence of loneliness, which can further exacerbate health issues by reducing the body’s ability to repair and regenerate. “In addition to these direct effects, loneliness often leads to a poor diet, lack of exercise, and increased substance use,” she adds.