Binge Eating and Overweight and Obesity Among Young Adult Lesbians

LGBT Health. 2016 Dec;3(6):472-476. doi: 10.1089/lgbt.2015.0119. Epub 2016 Mar 18.

Abstract

Purpose: Lesbians are more likely to be obese compared to heterosexual women, but little research has examined correlates of obesity among lesbians. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of binge eating and overweight and obesity among lesbians.

Methods: Self-identified lesbians (N = 377) between the ages of 18-30 completed an online survey.

Results: Binge eating was a salient predictor of both overweight and obesity after controlling for demographic variables, outness, diet, and physical activity.

Conclusion: Health promotion and weight loss intervention programs for lesbians should assess binge eating behaviors as a possible contributor to overweight and obesity.

Keywords: LGBT; binge eating; lesbian; obesity.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Binge-Eating Disorder / ethnology*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Diet
  • Exercise
  • Female
  • Homosexuality, Female*
  • Humans
  • Overweight / ethnology*
  • Sexual and Gender Minorities*
  • United States
  • Young Adult