Less social isolation, in women

Published in: Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021
People studied: –

In a German study of adults aged 40 and over, women whose BMI fell below 30 felt less socially isolated afterwards.

Checked against: PubMed 34278676
Published in: Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021
Last checked: 30 October 2026

Key takeaway

The German Ageing Survey followed adults aged 40 and over between 2014 and 2017 and compared each person with themselves over time. In women, moving from a BMI of 30 or more to below 30 went with feeling less socially isolated. This was not seen in men, and neither gaining nor leaving obesity was linked with changes in loneliness.

At a glance

Type of study: long-term national study in Germany, the same people followed over 3 years
How long: 3 years (2014 to 2017)
Compared with: the same people before their BMI changed
Main result: Women 40+ whose BMI fell below 30 reported less social isolation.
Strength of evidence: Long-term or observational studies

What this study does not show

An association, not proof of cause, and only in women. It does not say how the weight changed, and the abstract does not give the number of people.

Results from studies in groups of people, mostly in diet and movement programmes. They cannot be promised to any one person. This information is educational and does not replace a consultation with a doctor.