Loneliness, Social Isolation A Bigger Health Issue Than Obesity, Study Says

CBS Local — According to a new study, loneliness and social isolation is a greater public health problem for Americans than obesity. Researchers say people with a greater social connection cut their risk of premature death in half.
“Being connected to others socially is widely considered a fundamental human need — crucial to both well-being and survival,” says Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad, professor of psychology at Brigham Young University. “An increasing portion of t