Social isolation is like smoking 15 cigs a day health wise

We all know that smoking, drinking and eating too much rubbish is bad for us. But now scientists have discovered that loneliness can be even more damaging to your health.
Yes, good friends really can be a lifesaver.
A new study from Brigham Young University in Utah, has discovered that the support of friends, family and neighbours can increase your changes of living to a ripe old age by 50 per cent.
And social isolation can be as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day or being alcoholic. It also does more damage to your health than not exercising – and is twice as harmful as obesity.
Dr Julianne Holt-Lunstad, who led the study, said: ‘When someone is connected to a group and feels responsibility for other people, that sense of purpose and meaning translates to taking better care of ourselves and taking fewer risks.’
Now we’re just trying to work out if this means we’ve got a good excuse to meet friends at the pub for a few drinks, then got out for a pizza – or do the health benefits cancel each other out?

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