Nutrition, Weight and the LGBT Community

Nutrition and weight are culturally and socially linked to body image, discrimination and self-esteem. Nowhere is this in greater evidence than in our community, where concepts of physical beauty and sexual attraction are inexorably intertwined on many different levels.

• Studies of our community have found that while attempting to navigate between negative body image and the gay male “ideal,” there is a significantly increased risk of eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, binge eating and purging. Younger gay men are particularly at risk.

• In contrast, the bears among us celebrate large bodies. This segment of our community may be at greater risk of poor nutrition and problems associated with excessive weight problems and overeating. Although, culturally, being female “requires” you to be concerned about diet and weight, studies show that lesbians tend to be less preoccupied with weight and body image.

• Persons who are overweight or obese are at increased risk for high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, stroke, sleeping disorders, 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.

The truth is that good nutrition is important for everyone. Here’s what you can do.

• Educate yourself about proper nutritional health. Fad diets are so out.
• Cut down on those fast food lunches.
• Develop an effective exercise regime tailored to your needs.
• If you are at risk, screen for cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
• Seek out culturally competent support to help with your nutrition and weight concerns.

Remember, effective nutritional health and weight maintenance is a life-long pursuit.

[DOWNLOAD NUTRITION AD—HI RES PDF OR LOW RES PDF| DOWNLOAD NUTRITION FACTSHEET—HI RES PDF OR LOW RES PDF]

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"We are truly excited about the possibilities and potential for raising the awareness in our community and beyond around LGBT health in all of its issues. You and your organization's participation will ensure that we will be able to work together in a coordinated way and provide a unified voice at the forefront of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender health."

—Cornelius Baker, Co-Chair, Executive Committee National Coalition for LGBT Health

National Coalition for LGBT Health
1407 S Street, NW • Washington, DC 20009 • 202.797.3516/202.797.4430/f
coalition@lgbthealth.net