Research has suggested that men in relationships are more physically active than men who are single. This study provides a weighted analysis of physical activity by coupling status for men of different sexual orientations. Aggregated data from the United States 2013-2014 National Health Interview Survey were used to conduct multivariate logistic regression analyses. Compared to straight men (n = 29,926), gay men (n = 623) were less likely to be in a relationship (AOR 0.32, CI: 0.25-0.41). Coupled gay men did more physical activity than coupled straight men and were 1.62 (CI: 1.05-2.50) times more likely to be active, 1.67 (CI: 1.10-2.51) times more likely to be high active, 1.89 (CI: 1.24-2.89) times more likely to engage in muscle-strengthening activities, and 2.00 (CI: 1.28-3.11) times more likely to meet aerobic and muscle-strengthening recommendations. Coupling facilitates physical activity for men. However, more research is needed to help explore underlying mechanisms for differences by sexuality.
Keywords: Physical activity; exercise; gay men; health behavior; relationship status; sexual minority; sexual orientation.