Yes, according to research, there really is a link between loneliness and weight gain.

When we feel lonely, we tend to head to the refrigerator, and that’s normal, science has an explanation!

Yes, according to research, there really is a link between loneliness and weight gain.

Traumatic event, constant anxiety. Many psychological reasons can contribute to weight gain. And if, having already eaten, you feel a little hungry, perhaps this craving is also caused by a feeling of loneliness. A study from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) actually found a connection between appetite, the desire to eat, and the need for companionship. Photo credit: Shutterstock
Loneliness: the evil of the century

In France, according to a study carried out by the Crédoc Vulnerability Observatory in June 2022, one in three people feel lonely every day. In April 2020, the figure was less than one in five. What’s more, a lack of social interaction doesn’t just affect older people. According to a survey by the Fondation de France, in 2021, 21% of young people aged 15–30 found themselves in a situation of isolation. And this lack of social connection has serious consequences for mental and physical health. Photo credit: Shutterstock
Health Risk

When people lack social connections, the risk of heart disease increases by 29%, dementia by 50% and heart attack by 32%. The increased risk of premature death as a result of social isolation is comparable to that of a daily smoker and may be even higher than the risk associated with obesity. Other studies show similar correlations with anxiety, addiction, and suicide risk. Photo credit: Shutterstock
Loneliness and excess weight

Therefore, loneliness is harmful not only to mental health, but also to your figure. According to the magazine SlateA study conducted at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) found that women experiencing feelings of loneliness showed activity in areas of the brain associated with food cravings and the desire to eat. To better understand the impact of loneliness on the brain, eating habits and mental health, researchers surveyed 93 women about their well-being. Their perceived level of social isolation was particularly assessed. Photo credit: Shutterstock
Effects on the brain

In the second phase, the researchers presented them with images of sweet, salty foods and non-food items while they recorded their brain activity. The results showed that women who felt lonely had higher activation in brain regions associated with an increased desire to consume sweet foods. On the contrary, scientists observed a decrease in activity in regions associated with self-control of eating behavior. Photo credit: Shutterstock
The stress hormone is activated

Several mechanisms can lead to psychological weight gain. Firstly, there is an overproduction of cortisol. When anxiety is present, which is the case when we are alone too often, the body produces cortisol, the stress hormone. High concentrations of cortisol lead to the formation of fat reserves to meet these needs, which can lead to weight gain. Photo credit: Shutterstock
Food as a reward

Additionally, diet is sometimes used as a way to relieve depression. When experiencing constant anxiety, many may turn to food as an antidepressant. They seek comfort by consuming foods they enjoy to stimulate the release of endorphins, thereby creating a reward system. Which ultimately leads to uncontrolled weight gain. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Traumatic event, constant anxiety. Many psychological reasons can contribute to weight gain. And if, having already eaten, you feel a little hungry, perhaps this craving is also caused by feeling of loneliness. A study from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) actually found a connection between appetite, the desire to eat, and the need for companionship.

Loneliness: the evil of the century

In France, according to a study carried out by the Crédoc Vulnerability Observatory in June 2022, approx. every third person feels lonely every day. In April 2020, the figure was less than one in five. What’s more, a lack of social interaction doesn’t just affect older people. According to a survey by the Fondation de France, in 2021, 21% of young people aged 15–30 found themselves in a situation of isolation. And this lack of social connection has serious consequences for mental and physical health.

If people lack social connections, they risk developing cardiovascular diseasese increases by 29%, 50% for dementia and 32% foracute cardiovascular disease. The increased risk of premature death as a result of social isolation is comparable to that of a daily smoker and may be even higher than the risk associated with obesity. Other studies show similar correlations with anxiety, addiction, and suicide risk.

Loneliness increases your risk of weight gain

Therefore, loneliness is harmful not only to mental health, but also to your figure. According to the magazine SlateA study conducted at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) shows that women experiencing feeling of loneliness show activity in areas of the brain associated with traction and there is a desire. To better understand the impact of loneliness on the brain, eating habits and mental health, researchers surveyed 93 women about their well-being. Their perceived level of social isolation was particularly assessed.

In the second phase, the researchers presented them with images of sweet, salty foods and non-food items while they recorded their brain activity. The results showed that women feel lonely showed higher activation of brain regions associated with increased desire to consume sweet foods. On the contrary, scientists observed a decrease in activity in regions associated with self-control of eating behavior.

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Explanations of scientists

Several mechanisms can lead to psychological weight gain. Firstly, there is an overproduction of cortisol. When anxiety is present, and this is the case when we are alone too often, the body produces cortisol, a hormone stress. High concentrations of cortisol lead to the formation of fat reserves to meet these needs, which can lead to weight gain.

In addition, food is sometimes a means relieve depression. When experiencing constant anxiety, many may turn to food as an antidepressant. They seek comfort by consuming foods they enjoy to stimulate the release of endorphins, thereby creating a chain reward. Which ultimately leads to uncontrolled weight gain.