Eating alone can be bad for your health

These days, more people around the world are living alone than ever before. In America, the number of people who live alone jumped from 5 percent in 1920 to 27 percent in 2013.

There’s certainly something to be said for independence and the ability to pursue one’s own goals without being held back by a relationship. But numerous studies have shown that living alone can also take a toll on a person’s emotions, self-confidence, and mental well-being.

Now, a new study has found that people who eat alone, particularly men, are at an increased risk of developing high cholesterol and obesity.

The study was conducted by researchers from Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital in Seoul, South Korea and published in the journal Obesity Research & Clinical Practice.

The researchers monitored 7,725 adults and their living habits, and compared their health with how often they ate alone.

The study also made sure to adjust for lifestyle factors like age, smoking, and how often someone exercised.

The results showed that of the participants, men who ate alone had a 45 percent increased risk of being obese and a 64 percent increased risk of developing high cholesterol or a metabolic syndrome.

Women, on the other hand, were less likely to develop obesity or a metabolic syndrome if they ate alone.

There are a few reasons why eating alone may have such an adverse impact on health. For example, when you’re alone you might be more likely to choose unhealthy options or junk foods which can raise blood sugar and increase your risk of obesity.  

The results of the study provide a warning for people who do live alone so that they can monitor and avoid associated any health risks.

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By Kay Vandette, Earth.com Staff Writer