Abstract
While there have been attempts to explore the association of obesity and risky sexual behaviors among gay men, findings have
been conflicting. Using a prospective cohort of gay and bisexual men residing in Pittsburgh, we performed a semi-parametric,
group-based analysis to identify distinct groups of trajectories in body mass index slopes over time from 1999 to 2007 and
then correlated these trajectories with a number of psychosocial and behavioral factors, including sexual behaviors. We found
many men were either overweight (41.2%) or obese (10.9%) in 1999 and remained stable at these levels over time, in contrast
to recent increasing trends in the general population. Correlates of obesity in our study replicated findings from the general
population. However, we found no significant association between obesity and sexual risk-taking behaviors, as suggested from
several cross-sectional studies of gay men. While there was not a significant association between obesity and sexual risk-taking
behaviors, we found high prevalence of overweight and obesity in this population. Gay and bisexual men’s health researchers
and practitioners need to look beyond HIV and STI prevention and also address a broader range of health concerns important
to this population.
been conflicting. Using a prospective cohort of gay and bisexual men residing in Pittsburgh, we performed a semi-parametric,
group-based analysis to identify distinct groups of trajectories in body mass index slopes over time from 1999 to 2007 and
then correlated these trajectories with a number of psychosocial and behavioral factors, including sexual behaviors. We found
many men were either overweight (41.2%) or obese (10.9%) in 1999 and remained stable at these levels over time, in contrast
to recent increasing trends in the general population. Correlates of obesity in our study replicated findings from the general
population. However, we found no significant association between obesity and sexual risk-taking behaviors, as suggested from
several cross-sectional studies of gay men. While there was not a significant association between obesity and sexual risk-taking
behaviors, we found high prevalence of overweight and obesity in this population. Gay and bisexual men’s health researchers
and practitioners need to look beyond HIV and STI prevention and also address a broader range of health concerns important
to this population.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-5
- DOI 10.1007/s10508-011-9859-5
- Authors
- Thomas E. Guadamuz, Center for Research on Health and Sexual Orientation, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Sin How Lim, Center for Research on Health and Sexual Orientation, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Michael P. Marshal, Center for Research on Health and Sexual Orientation, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Mark S. Friedman, Center for Research on Health and Sexual Orientation, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Ronald D. Stall, Center for Research on Health and Sexual Orientation, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Anthony J. Silvestre, Center for Research on Health and Sexual Orientation, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Journal Archives of Sexual Behavior
- Online ISSN 1573-2800
- Print ISSN 0004-0002