The Association Between Obesity and Social Isolation as Well as Loneliness in the Adult Population: A Systematic Review

TY - JOUR

T1 - The Association Between Obesity and Social Isolation as Well as Loneliness in the Adult Population: A Systematic Review

AU - Hajek, Andre

AU - Kretzler, Benedikt

AU - König, Hans-Helmut

PY - 2021

Y1 - 2021

N2 - Purpose: Obesity is associated with adverse health outcomes and can result in feelings of loneliness or social isolation, for example due to stigmatization. These factors are in turn associated with morbidity and mortality. Thus far, a systematic review is lacking with regard to the association between obesity, social isolation and loneliness. Therefore, our aim was to fill this gap in knowledge.Materials and Methods: Three established electronic databases (PubMed, PsycInfo, as well as CINAHL) were searched. Observational studies examining the link between obesity and loneliness or social isolation were included. Disease-specific samples were excluded.Results: In sum, six studies have been included. While some studies point to an association between obesity and increased loneliness levels, it should be acknowledged that findings are mixed. Study quality was quite high.Conclusion: This systematic review showed that the literature is inconclusive and incomplete. Further research is required to shed further light on these associations. Moreover, studies from countries outside Europe, based on longitudinal data and using objective assessments of obesity, are urgently required. Gender differences should be further explored.

AB - Purpose: Obesity is associated with adverse health outcomes and can result in feelings of loneliness or social isolation, for example due to stigmatization. These factors are in turn associated with morbidity and mortality. Thus far, a systematic review is lacking with regard to the association between obesity, social isolation and loneliness. Therefore, our aim was to fill this gap in knowledge.Materials and Methods: Three established electronic databases (PubMed, PsycInfo, as well as CINAHL) were searched. Observational studies examining the link between obesity and loneliness or social isolation were included. Disease-specific samples were excluded.Results: In sum, six studies have been included. While some studies point to an association between obesity and increased loneliness levels, it should be acknowledged that findings are mixed. Study quality was quite high.Conclusion: This systematic review showed that the literature is inconclusive and incomplete. Further research is required to shed further light on these associations. Moreover, studies from countries outside Europe, based on longitudinal data and using objective assessments of obesity, are urgently required. Gender differences should be further explored.

U2 - 10.2147/DMSO.S313873

DO - 10.2147/DMSO.S313873

M3 - SCORING: Review article

C2 - 34168476

VL - 14

SP - 2765

EP - 2773

JO - DIABET METAB SYND OB

JF - DIABET METAB SYND OB

SN - 1178-7007

ER -