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May 01, 2007

Lesbians twice as likely to be obese as straight women

Lesbians are twice as likely as straight women to be overweight, increasing their risk for health problems and obesity-related death. According to Reuters, the American Journal of Public Health undertook one of the first large studies to look at obesity among lesbians. Researchers at the Boston University School of Public Health examined a national survey of 6,000 women, finding that lesbians were more than two times more likely to be overweight or obese than straight women.

The researchers also looked at smaller studies that suggest high rates of obesity among lesbians and the possible causes.

“The results of these studies indicate that lesbian women have a better body image than do heterosexual women,” the researchers wrote.

The study's authors said they were not as convinced that lesbians are more muscular than straight women, resulting in a higher body mass index and less body fat. (The Advocate)

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