Expert issues warning that common problem is as harmful as 'smoking 15 cigarettes a day'

A common problem that many of us face during our lives could be as harmful as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, an expert has claimed.

Allison Gilbert is an award-winning journalist who co-authored 'The Joy of Connections', a guide to tackling loneliness, with the late sex therapist Ruth Westheimer, also known as Dr. Ruth.

In the latest episode of the The Mid•Point with Gabby Logan, Allison explained why it's important for people to not only complete physical activity, but to also maintain "connections" with others.

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Allison said: "You can work out and on another day, invest time with people in person. So, I think your best friend, really, is only three letters; it's the word 'and'. Do both.

"You can really harness the pleasures of physical activity, which we know is so important for our mental well-being, and you can also invest your time with people because, of course, that's what we're talking about because connections will make you live longer."

Gabby interjected: "Yes, it's that science that kind of...you know, we're told that loneliness is really damaging for us, for our health."

Allison replied: "Well, you mentioned smoking. It's as damaging as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day to not invest in our social connections, so it has to be both. It's not maybe should it be both; it must be both."

The host then queried how this works, to which Allison claimed that loneliness leads to cardiovascular disease, depression, and anxiety. Allison said there is a "roster of physical manifestations of what it's like to not have connections".

The journalist highlighted how human beings are "social creatures" by nature and we need a "sense of community" to feel "happier", with the science showing that it leads to people living "longer" and more "meaningful" and "connected" lives, she claimed.

According to the NHS, when loneliness is prolonged or severe, it can raise the risk of certain physical health conditions, including dementia, and mental health conditions, including depression, low mood, anxiety and stress.

It says the symptoms of loneliness may include feeling nervous about social events, a change in your routine, such as not caring about your appearance, getting up early and cooking for yourself, as well as problems with your sleep.

A study, highlighted as part of a statement by the American Heart Association in 2022, also suggested that isolation and loneliness can raise the risk of death from heart attacks and strokes.

Individuals with heart disease who were experiencing social isolation were found to have a "two- to three-fold" rise in death. The statement also indicated that isolation and loneliness are linked to behaviours that impact cardiovascular health.

They include less physical activity and eating fewer fruits and vegetables, as well increased sedentary time, with the statement also highlighting other studies that discovered links between loneliness and a higher chance of smoking.

To learn more about loneliness, including where you can find help and support, visit the NHS website here.