How do social needs affect health?
How do social needs affect health?
Social needs can impact a person's health in more than one way. And often a person has more than one need at a time. Here are some examples.
A lower income can make it hard to afford basic needs. That can mean that some needs aren't met. For example, paying rent may mean having little money left to buy food.
Not having enough healthy food can impact health. It can affect weight, blood pressure, diabetes risk, and learning.
The stress of not having enough food or enough money to pay bills can also affect mental health. That can make it harder to stay connected to friends and family.
Not being able to see a doctor when needed can mean that mental and physical health issues don't get treated. When health issues don't get treated, they can get worse.
Current as of: May 1, 2026
Author: WebMD Ignite Staff
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