Final answer:
The statement suggesting that weight loss causes increased social isolation is false. Social connectedness actually improves health outcomes, and while significant life changes can lead to isolation, these are not necessarily related to weight loss.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that an individual becomes more socially isolated as they lose weight is false. There is no inherent or direct causal relationship between losing weight and social isolation. In fact, social connectedness has been shown to have positive health outcomes, including reduced mortality. The studies highlighted, particularly the one conducted by Berkman & Syme in 1979, found that individuals with more social contacts had lower rates of mortality compared to their isolated counterparts. Various factors can influence both weight loss and social isolation, but they are not unequivocally connected in a cause-and-effect fashion.
Furthermore, social isolation can sometimes be a consequence of significant life changes, such as retirement or losing a spouse, rather than changes in body weight. This isolation can lead to a loss of social roles and a diminished sense of self-worth, which may have various psychological and physiological impacts. Ultimately, being socially integrated is an important aspect of both mental and physical health.