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)