A new study from the health insurance company, Cigna, has revealed that loneliness is a serious public health issue, and a bigger threat to health than obesity.

The study found that nearly half of all Americans report feeling lonely, and younger generations are the loneliest.

The Study

Cigna surveyed 20,000 U.S. adults ages 18-years-old and older. The study measured loneliness using the UCLA Loneliness Scale, a 20-item questionnaire that assesses loneliness and social isolation.

The study found that loneliness is widespread across America, with nearly half of all respondents reporting feelings of loneliness.

The study also found a correlation between loneliness and social media use, with heavy social media users reporting higher levels of loneliness than those who use social media less frequently.

Younger generations are the loneliest group, with Generation Z (ages 18 to 22) reporting the highest levels of loneliness. The study found that 79 percent of Gen Z respondents reported feeling lonely.

Millennials (ages 23 to 37) were the second loneliest group, with 71 percent reporting feelings of loneliness.

The Health Risks of Loneliness

The study found that loneliness poses a greater risk to health than obesity. Loneliness can have a significant impact on both mental and physical health. The health risks associated with loneliness include:.

Increased risk of depression
Increased risk of anxiety
Increased risk of suicide
Increased risk of heart disease
Increased risk of stroke
Increased risk of immune system dysfunction
Increased risk of inflammation
Increased risk of premature death

Loneliness can also have an impact on cognitive function, with lonely individuals experiencing greater cognitive decline as they age.

It is clear that loneliness is a serious public health issue that needs to be addressed. One of the most effective ways to combat loneliness is to build and maintain social connections.

Having strong social connections can have a positive impact on both mental and physical health. Social connections can provide a sense of belonging and purpose, and can help reduce stress and anxiety.

There are many ways to build social connections, including:.

Joining a club or group based on a shared interest
Volunteering in the community
Attending social events, such as parties or concerts
Taking classes or workshops to learn new skills
Spending time with family and friends

It is also important to limit social media use, as heavy social media use has been linked to increased feelings of loneliness.

Conclusion

The Cigna study highlights the importance of social connections and the impact of loneliness on public health. To combat the epidemic of loneliness, individuals must make a conscious effort to build and maintain social connections.

It is clear that loneliness is a serious issue that needs to be addressed, and by building stronger social connections, we can improve both our mental and physical health.