health note: lesbians more likely to be overweight
Researchers compared population estimates of overweight and obesity across sexual orientation groups using data from the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth. The study sample of almost 6,000 women found that lesbians were more likely to be overweight and obese, putting themselves at higher risk for conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. The study’s authors said their findings point to “an urgent need for weight-reduction interventions that target the high-risk group of sexual-minority women.” For more info see: “Overweight and Obesity in Sexual-Minority Women: Evidence From Population-Based Data.” Ulrike Boehmer, PhD, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Mass.