TAKE ACTION: NUTRITION AND WEIGHT
Weight is culturally and socially linked to body image, discrimination, self-esteem and health. Nowhere is this in greater evidence than in the LGBT community, where concepts of physical beauty and sexual attraction are inexorably intertwined on many different levels.
- Eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, binge eating and purging affect too many gay and bisexual men. Younger gay and bisexual men are more likely to be impacted than older gay and bisexual men.
- Lesbians are more likely than their heterosexual counterparts to be overweight and have poor nutrition. People who are overweight or obese are at increased risk for high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, stroke, sleeping disorders, pregnancy complications, respiratory problems and some types of cancer.
- Malnutrition, protein depletion, weight loss, body fat distribution and metabolic changes are common complications associated with HIV infection in the U.S.
Good nutrition is important for everyone. Here are steps towards good nutrition and healthy weight:
- Educate yourself and others about proper nutritional health.
- Develop effective exercise regime tailored to your needs.
- Shop the edges of your grocery store with particular emphasis on fruits, vegetables and fish.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about screening for cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
- Seek out friendly and understanding support, such as walking or exercise buddies, to help maintain a healthy weight.
TAKE ACTION! Good nutrition and exercise are a life-long pursuit!
For more information, please see:
My Pyramid (http://www.mypyramid.gov)