Loneliness can also have an impact on physical health. Scientists report that social isolation can harm bone health in the body. The effects of social isolation are well known – many studies have linked prolonged feelings of loneliness to an increased risk of mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. Increased consumption of alcohol and other substances, as well as changes in cognitive function, are observed. Social isolation can also lead to changes in sleeping habits as well as poor physical health. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, social isolation has been a problem in much of society. The rise of the virus problem has significantly increased tendencies towards self-isolation and feelings of loneliness, and some scientists argue that in modern, post-Covid society there are so-called “epidemic of loneliness”. Due to the tendency towards reduced physical activity and unhealthy eating when feeling lonely, physical health deteriorates. In this way, loneliness can predispose someone to health problems and increase the risk of developing heart disease or problems such as diabetes. But that’s not the only way loneliness harms the body, scientists have found. Scientific research on the topic was presented at the ENDO 2023 conference in Chicago. The effect of loneliness and mental illness on adults is examined. Social isolation may be considered a stressor to significantly increase the risk of osteoporosis or bone fracture in adults, but the specific effect on bone health has not been studied until now. The scientists observed the effect of social isolation for four weeks. Within this period, the effects on bone were closely monitored. It turns out that isolation can lead to a decrease in bone mineral density. When bones have low mineral density, they become brittle and brittle. The research data points to these effects mostly in men, with no change in bone health seen in women. The results of this study may significantly influence clinical practice. Since the pandemic, the tendency towards self-isolation has only become higher, and if loneliness can harm the health of the body, this phenomenon should be carefully examined by scientists. References: The Endocrine Society. (2023, June 18) Social isolation linked to reduced bone quality in males, mouse study finds. Retrieved 2023, June 19 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-06-social-isolation-linked-bone-quality.html