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Haarmann L, Lieker E, Folkerts AK, Eichert K, Neidlinger M, Monsef I, Skoetz N, Träuble B, Kalbe E. Higher Risk of Many Physical Health Conditions in Sexual Minority Men: Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis in Gay- and Bisexual-Identified Compared with Heterosexual-Identified Men. LGBT Health 2024; 11:81-102. [PMID: 37676973 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2023.0084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to provide a systematic review and, where possible, meta-analysis on the prevalence of physical health conditions in sexual minority men (SMM, i.e., gay- and bisexual-identified men) compared with heterosexual-identified men. Methods: A systematic literature search in the databases MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and Web of Science was conducted on epidemiological studies on physical health conditions, classified in the Global Burden of Disease project and published between 2000 and 2021. Meta-analyses comparing odds ratios were calculated. Results: In total, 23,649 abstracts were screened, and 32 studies were included in the systematic review. Main findings were that (1) Largest differences in prevalence by sexual identity were found for chronic respiratory diseases, particularly asthma: overall, SMM were significantly almost 50% more likely to suffer from asthma than heterosexual men. (2) Evidence of higher prevalence was also found for chronic kidney diseases and headache disorders in gay men and for hepatitis B/C in both gay and bisexual men. (3) We found an overall trend that bisexual men were more affected by some of the physical health conditions compared with gay men (e.g., cardiovascular diseases, asthma). However, regarding cancer, headache disorders, and hepatitis, gay men were more affected. Conclusion: We found evidence of physical health disparities by sexual identity, suggesting more health issues in SMM. Since some of these findings rely on few comparisons or small samples of SMM only, this review is intended to be a vehement plea for routinely including sexual identity assessment in health research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Haarmann
- Department of Medical Psychology ǀ Neuropsychology and Gender Studies and Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Emma Lieker
- Department of Medical Psychology ǀ Neuropsychology and Gender Studies and Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ann-Kristin Folkerts
- Department of Medical Psychology ǀ Neuropsychology and Gender Studies and Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Kai Eichert
- Department of Medical Psychology ǀ Neuropsychology and Gender Studies and Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Marlene Neidlinger
- Department of Medical Psychology ǀ Neuropsychology and Gender Studies and Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ina Monsef
- Evidence-Based Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Nicole Skoetz
- Evidence-Based Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Birgit Träuble
- Department of Psychology | Research Unit for Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Human Sciences Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Elke Kalbe
- Department of Medical Psychology ǀ Neuropsychology and Gender Studies and Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Ferrero EM, Yunker AG, Cuffe S, Gautam S, Mendoza K, Bhupathiraju SN, Mattei J. Nutrition and Health in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning Community: A Narrative Review. Adv Nutr 2023; 14:1297-1306. [PMID: 37536566 PMCID: PMC10721458 DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2023.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexual and gender minorities have a higher risk for health and nutrition-related disparities across the life course compared to the heterosexual or cisgender population. Experiences of stigmatization and discrimination are associated with diminished mental health quality and psychological distress, which are risk factors for developing various eating disorders. Other nutrition disparities include increased risk for food insecurity, body dissatisfaction, and weight complications, such as those experienced by the transgender population in association with gender-affirming hormone therapies. Despite the need for tailored nutrition recommendations that address the unique needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) community, there are currently no such guidelines in North America. The purpose of this review is to summarize major LGBTQ+ nutrition disparities and highlight the need for tailored recommendations. We examine the evidence on mental health and social disparities in this group, including vulnerabilities to disordered eating, food insecurity, and healthcare provider discrimination. Importantly, we identify a scarcity of literature on dietary concerns and nutrition care guidelines for LGBTQ+ groups, including studies that address intersectionality and differences among specific gender and sexual orientations. These gaps underline the urgency of prioritizing nutrition for LGBTQ+ health needs and for developing tailored public health nutrition recommendations for this underserved population. Our review suggests that future LGBTQ+ health and nutrition research agendas should include personalized and precision nutrition, social determinants of health, diet quality, body image, and healthcare provider cultural competency and responsiveness. Moreover, the current evidence on LGBTQ+ nutrition and health will be strengthened when research studies (including clinical trials) with robust methodologies amplify inclusion and representation of this community to elucidate health and nutrition disparities in sexual and gender minorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta M Ferrero
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Alexandra G Yunker
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sherri Cuffe
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Saloni Gautam
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kenny Mendoza
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Shilpa N Bhupathiraju
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Josiemer Mattei
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States.
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Stevens SD. Obesity in Sexual and Gender Minority Populations: Prevalence and Correlates. Curr Obes Rep 2023:10.1007/s13679-023-00499-z. [PMID: 37140879 DOI: 10.1007/s13679-023-00499-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to explore the prevalence and correlates of obesity among members of sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations. RECENT FINDINGS Research overall finds higher rates of obesity among lesbian and bisexual women than heterosexual women, lower rates of obesity among gay and bisexual men than heterosexual men, and inconsistent findings on obesity among transgender individuals. Rates of mental health disorders and disordered eating are high among all SGM groups. Rates of comorbid medical conditions differ among groups. More research needs to be conducted within all SGM groups but particularly among transgender populations. All members of SGM encounter stigma, including when seeking healthcare, and this may lead to individuals avoiding healthcare. Therefore, it is important to educate providers about population-specific factors. This article serves as an overview of important considerations for providers treating individuals within SGM populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena D Stevens
- Cleveland Clinic Bariatric and Metabolic Institute, 9500 Euclid Ave./M61, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
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Prestemon CE, Grummon AH, Rummo PE, Taillie LS. Differences in Dietary Quality by Sexual Orientation and Sex in the United States: NHANES 2011-2016. J Acad Nutr Diet 2022; 122:918-931.e7. [PMID: 34896299 PMCID: PMC9038656 DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2021.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are persistent disparities in weight- and diet-related diseases by sexual orientation. Lesbian and bisexual females have a higher risk of obesity and cardiovascular disease compared with heterosexual females. Gay and bisexual males have a higher risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease compared with heterosexual males. However, it remains unknown how sexual orientation groups differ in their dietary quality. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine whether dietary quality differs by sexual orientation and sex among US adults. DESIGN This was a cross-sectional study of 24-hour dietary recall data from a nationally representative sample of adults aged 20 through 65 years participating in the 2011-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING Study participants were adults (n = 8,851) with complete information on dietary intake, sexual orientation, and sex. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The main outcome measures were daily energy intake from 20 specific food and beverage groups and Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) scores for sexual orientation groups (heterosexual vs gay/lesbian/bisexual). STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED Ordinary least squares regressions were used to calculate adjusted means for each food and beverage group and HEI-2015, stratified by sex and controlling for covariates (eg, age and race/ethnicity) and survey cycles (2011-2012, 2013-2014, and 2015-2016). RESULTS Among males, red and processed meat/poultry/seafood (P = .01) and sandwiches (P = .02) were smaller contributors to energy intake for gay/bisexual males compared with heterosexual males. Among females, cereals (P =.04) and mixed dishes (P = .02) were smaller contributors to energy intake for lesbian/bisexual females compared with heterosexual females. Gay/bisexual males had significantly higher total HEI-2015 scores than heterosexual males (mean ± standard deviation 53.40 ± 1.36 vs 49.29 ± 0.32, difference = 4.14; P = .004). Lesbian/bisexual females did not differ in total or component HEI-2015 scores from heterosexual females. CONCLUSIONS Although gay/lesbian/bisexual groups were similar for a variety of dietary outcomes compared with heterosexual groups, gay and bisexual men displayed healthier dietary quality for processed meat (by consuming smaller amounts) and overall dietary quality (according to HEI-2015) compared with heterosexual males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen E Prestemon
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Anna H Grummon
- Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Cambridge, MA; Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Pasquale E Rummo
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Lindsey Smith Taillie
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC.
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López Castillo H, Blackwell CW, Schrimshaw EW. Paradoxical Obesity and Overweight Disparities Among Sexual Minority Men: A Meta-Analysis. Am J Mens Health 2022; 16:15579883221095387. [PMID: 35485875 PMCID: PMC9067055 DOI: 10.1177/15579883221095387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to analyze the prevalence and likelihood of overweight, obesity, and elevated body mass index (BMI) among sexual minority men (i.e., men who have sex with men [MSM], men who have sex with men and women [MSMW], and all sexual minority men), using men who have sex with women (MSW) as the reference group. Studies reporting mean BMIs or prevalence or likelihood of obesity, overweight, or elevated BMI categorized by sexual orientation were included. Data were pooled and analyzed to report mean differences (MDs) of BMIs, prevalence rates, odds ratios (ORs), and their respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Forty-three studies were included, with a median of 26,507 participants (median 3.37% sexual minority men). The respective mean overweight, obesity, and elevated BMI prevalence rates among MSM (36%, 23%, and 39%) and MSMW (33%, 27%, and 47%) were lower than those of MSW (44%, 26%, and 55%). This finding was consistent with a significantly lower BMI (MD −1.50 [−1.93, −1.08] kg/m2) and a decreased likelihood of overweight (OR 0.75 [0.64, 0.88]) and obesity (OR 0.84 [0.78, 0.90]). Sexual minority men present with a lower prevalence and likelihood of obesity and overweight than their heterosexual counterparts. The obesity paradox—a sustained catabolic state presenting with lower BMI—is a feasible explanation for this phenomenon, although further research exploring paradoxical cardiovascular findings is granted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humberto López Castillo
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Health Professions and Sciences, Academic Health Sciences Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA.,Department of Population Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Academic Health Sciences Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Christopher W Blackwell
- Department of Nursing Practice, College of Nursing, Academic Health Sciences Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Eric W Schrimshaw
- Department of Population Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Academic Health Sciences Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
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- Department of Health Sciences, College of Health Professions and Sciences, Academic Health Sciences Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
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Abstract
Purpose of Review Sexual and gender minority (SGM) adults experience significant cardiovascular health disparities, yet little is known about diet and food insecurity in this population. This review summarizes recent literature on diet and food insecurity in SGM adults and their contribution to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in this population. Recent Findings Existing evidence on diet and food insecurity disparities among SGM adults is inconclusive and research examining their link with CVD risk in SGM adults is limited. The majority of existing studies lack standardized and validated assessments of diet and food insecurity. Correlates of unhealthy diet and food insecurity among SGM adults are poorly understood. Summary Research examining the associations between diet and food insecurity with CVD risk in SGM adults is limited. Longitudinal studies are needed to investigate whether diet and food insecurity contribute to the cardiovascular health disparities observed in SGM adults. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11883-022-00991-2.
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