A new UCLA Health study found differences in brain activity related to food cravings in women who feel lonely.
Unfortunately, these issues are more widespread than other public health concerns and they are on the rise. Loneliness affects some people more than others; low-income folks, young adults, older adults, individuals living alone, people with chronic diseases and disabilities, immigrants and members of the LGBTQ community are vulnerable. Factors that can increase social isolation and loneliness include having a lower income, mental health concerns, chronic disease, long-term disability, being a victim of domestic violence and life transitions like divorce or job loss among others.
A new UCLA Health study found differences in brain activity related to food cravings in women who feel lonely. According to the study, those who had higher levels of social isolation had higher fat mass, poorer diet quality, more food cravings, uncontrolled eating behaviors and reward-based eating as well as higher levels of anxiety and depression.