Disparate Perceptions of Weight Between Sexual Minority and Heterosexual Female College Students

To compare body mass index (BMI; calculated from self-reported height and weight) and self-described weight status between heterosexual and lesbian, bisexual, questioning (LBQ) female college students and identify factors associated with overweight/obesity.

Participants included females (n=18,440) from the National College Health Assessment survey. Mean BMI, t-tests of weight status, and chi-square tests of characteristics between LBQ and heterosexual females were calculated. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals from logistic regression models were used to estimate the likelihood of self-described "slightly overweight" status, self-described "very overweight" status, BMI 25.0-29.9 lb/in(2) (overweight), and BMI ≥30.0 lb/in(2) (obese) for female college students.

LBQ females were significantly heavier than heterosexual females overall and for each additional year in school. Covariates that increased the odds of all four dependent variables (self-described "slightly" and "very" overweight status, overweight BMI, and obese BMI) included good/fair health (vs. excellent/very good health), trying to lose weight (vs. staying the same), and older age. LBQ status (vs. heterosexual) was also associated with the dependent variables "very overweight" status and obese BMI; however, LBQ status was not associated with self-described "slightly overweight" status or overweight BMI. Female college students who had an obese BMI, self-described as "slightly" or "very" overweight, were significantly less likely to meet the physical activity guidelines (vs. meeting the guidelines).

With the increasing prevalence in weight gain for female college students and higher overall BMIs for LBQ females, promoting healthy habits during college provides an opportunity to short-circuit this trend, especially in the LBQ college population.