NHS GP Dr Amir Khan, a familiar face on ITV programmes such as Good Morning Britain and Lorraine, has raised the alarm about a loneliness 'epidemic' in the UK that he believes is as detrimental to health as smoking. Speaking on the No Appointments Necessary podcast, he highlighted the widespread impact of loneliness and the misconceptions that surround it.
Loneliness Affects All Ages
Co-host Cherry Healy noted that loneliness is being discussed everywhere and is considered as harmful as smoking. Dr Khan stressed that while many assume loneliness primarily affects the elderly, younger people are also highly vulnerable. 'It affects younger people as well, who are very, very lonely, and they're just engaging online, they're not engaging in real life,' he said. 'All of that affects the way the brain works.'
He explained that real-life interactions—talking, laughing, and listening—engage multiple parts of the brain simultaneously. 'One of the best things I can prescribe for my patients is lunch with your friends or a coffee with your granddad,' he added.
Risk Factors for Severe Loneliness
While occasional loneliness is a natural part of life, persistent or intense loneliness can harm mental health. The Mental Health Foundation notes that anyone can experience loneliness, but certain factors increase the risk of severe and lasting effects. These include being widowed, single, unemployed, living alone, having a long-term health condition or disability, living in rented accommodation, being aged 16–24, being a carer, or belonging to an ethnic minority or LGBTQIA+ community.
The foundation warns that people often assume loneliness is about age and physical isolation, causing them to overlook those who are 'lonely in a crowd'—such as students, carers, and urban dwellers.
Tips for Managing Loneliness
Tackling loneliness can be challenging, but small steps can help. The Mental Health Foundation recommends connecting with people encountered in daily life, such as greeting the postman or chatting with a shop assistant. 'Even catching someone's eye and saying hello as you walk along can make you feel better,' it says. Other approaches include discovering fulfilling hobbies, stimulating your mind, or exploring talking therapies.
Dr Khan's warning comes amid growing recognition of loneliness as a public health issue, with experts calling for greater social connection to combat its effects.
