A recent survey shows that 33% of adults report experiencing loneliness at least once a week. These emotions don’t just feel heavy, they can actually put pressure on you on a biological level. We often think about what we eat and what we move and what we affect, but science proves that our social connections play an incredibly important role in how efficiently our bodies function.
In other words, your metabolism is not just about food, but also about friendship.
In addition to how chronic loneliness affects your metabolic health, there are five innovative summer response strategies to boost both your social life and your metabolism.
First, how does loneliness affect emotional well-being?
“We’re a great deal of love,” explains Jamie Maniscalco, neuroscientist, wellness coach and founder of Manifest Wellness. Reward/joy/motivation signals) are not very active. Over time, this imbalance leads to emotional consequences such as depression and withdrawal, and at the same time causes metabolic damage to the body.
When you are lonely, your body enters a subtle yet persistent state of stress. This increases the levels of cortisol, the main stress hormone in the body. “Cortisol can be useful in short-term bursts (for example, it helps manage short-term stressful events), but promotion over time throws away the internal rhythm of the body,” says Maniscalco. If these levels are chronically high, then:
Insulin-resistant craving for high-sugar, high-fat foods with increased fat storage (particularly around the abdomen) can destroy sleep, slow metabolic inflammation and suppress metabolic function
“If cortisol stays high, it instructs the liver to release more glucose, making it difficult for muscles and fat cells to absorb it. Also, loneliness can reduce the motivation to stay active, eat nutritious foods (such as high protein foods), and cause irritation, fatigue, and mood swings. Research shows that people who feel socially isolated are at a higher risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
1. Start small
According to Maniscalco, the best thing you can do to improve your mental health is to start small. “Reach out to your trusted friends, join groups centered around things you enjoy (art, movement, books, etc.), or volunteer for a meaningful cause. These settings provide a common purpose that naturally reduces the pressure to “execute” socially and facilitates connections. He also says that brief everyday interactions, such as talking to a barista, neighbor, or fellow dog Walker, can “rewire the brain towards openness and connection.” These micromoments can lead to an increase in attribution, while increasing our overall mood.
2. Reconnect with a move-based activity
Group fitness classes, walking clubs, paddle board meetups – these are more than just training. They are also community building experiences. Social movements have the advantage of double metabolism. Increases your heart rate while reducing the feeling of isolation that causes stress-related metabolism. Pairing with protein powders like Hum’s core strength can help you maintain lean muscles, especially if you’re increasing your physical activity. Additionally, perfect proteins like core strength help reduce fatigue after exercise, which means you’ll gain more energy to maintain social and active energy instead of crashing after a fitness class or long walk.
3. Add a GLP-1 booster to support fullness and gut health
Your gut plays a major role in metabolic health, and the Ham’s Flat Mee Fiber GLP-1 booster supports the body’s natural production of hormones. Our fiber-based supplements are designed to enhance the body’s natural production of GLP-1. Intestinal hormones help regulate blood sugar levels and signals, all the key to healthy metabolism and weight management.
Healthier gut not only supports metabolism, but also links to mood regulation and improved brain function, thus reducing loneliness and encouraging more social engagement.
4. Start the tradition of “meeting up meals”
Eating with other people is not just fun. Biologically, it’s good for you. Shared diets are associated with improved digestion, slower feeding (enhancing satiety cues), and stronger relationships. Whether it’s a Sunday dinner with friends or a large family dinner at home, committing to a regular social diet can help regulate your hunger hormones and support a more balanced metabolism.
5. Say yes more often (even when it’s out of your comfort zone)
Social momentum is reality. The more “yes” you say to low-pressure social invitations (coffee dates, outdoor movies, local events), the more natural social feel. Each positive experience helps retrain the brain and associate socialization with joy rather than stress.
Not only does it have low stress hormones like cortisol, it also increases oxytocin and dopamine, as well as two pleasant chemicals that help regulate appetite and cravings.
Social health is metabolic health. By prioritizing connections, especially through movement, diet and sharing routines, you can naturally support your metabolism and feel more lively around you. It also features equipment to make this your most connected and energetic summer, with a bit of help from scientifically backed supplements like the Hum Nutrition GLP-1 booster and amino acid formula.
It feels good, so not just about what’s on your plate, but also about the person at the table with you.
FAQ
Can being lonely really slow my metabolism?
yes. Chronic loneliness can increase stress hormone levels, affecting everything from insulin sensitivity to fat storage. It can also lead to unhealthy habits such as overeating, lack of sleep, and inactivity.
I’m an introvert – can I still benefit from socializing?
absolutely! You don’t need to attend a party every weekend to win social time. Whether it’s a walk with a friend, the phone, or a volunteer, investing in small, meaningful connections can all offer powerful metabolic and emotional benefits.
How quickly do metabolism improve after becoming more socially active?
Everyone is different, but people often report better sleep, increased energy, and reduced cravings within weeks of reducing loneliness and reducing the increase in movement and social connection. When combined with supportive supplements, the benefits can be accelerated.
