:format(jpeg):background_color(fff)/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metronieuws.nl%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F10%2FEenzaam-eenzame-vrouw-eenzaamheid-verdrietig-emotie-onderzoek.jpg)
Headline:
Loneliness Linked to Specific Blood Proteins, New Study Shows
Meta Description:
Research reveals that feeling lonely or socially isolated can alter your blood composition, potentially affecting your health.
Article:
Feeling lonely or socially isolated isn’t just emotionally taxing—it might also be physically harmful, according to a new study published in Nature Human Behaviour. Researchers found that loneliness and social isolation can alter the composition of proteins in your blood, which could impact your overall health.
The study, led by researchers from the University of Michigan and the National University of Singapore, analyzed blood samples from over 42,000 adults aged 40 to 69. They discovered that those who reported feeling lonely or socially isolated had different levels of certain proteins in their blood compared to those who didn’t.
One protein, ADM, stood out as particularly concerning. Levels of ADM increased with higher levels of loneliness, and it’s known to influence important brain regions, potentially causing stress and increasing the risk of physical illnesses like heart disease and even early death.
"This is a clear sign of how deeply social factors can affect our health," said Chun Shen, one of the study’s lead authors.
The Loneliness Epidemic
The findings come at a time when loneliness is increasingly recognized as a public health concern. In the Netherlands, for instance, nearly 11% of the population reported feeling strongly lonely in 2023, up from 9% in 2019.
"Loneliness is a bigger problem than many realize," said Barbara Sahakian, another study author. "It’s not just an older person’s issue; it’s affecting younger people too. That’s why the World Health Organization has classified it as a global health issue."
The Importance of Social Connection
The study underscores the importance of social connection for our physical health. Whether it’s a chat with a neighbor, a coffee with friends, or a video call with family, maintaining social ties can help mitigate the harmful effects of loneliness.
As Shen put it, "The findings highlight the importance of staying socially connected. It’s not just good for our mental health; it’s good for our physical health too."
