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Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Bears and Other Gay Men: A Descriptive Study from Poland

Magdalena Mijas1, Karolina Koziara2, Andrzej Galbarczyk1

  • 1Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 8 Skawinska St., PL 31066 Krakow, Poland.

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|January 28, 2021
PubMed

Insights

The Bear subculture of gay men shows higher cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, mainly due to older age and higher body mass index (BMI). Interventions should promote healthy lifestyles, respecting subcultural norms, rather than focusing solely on weight loss.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Sexual Minority Health

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is influenced by psychosocial stress and health behaviors.
  • Sexual minority men identifying as Bears exhibit characteristics linked to increased CVD risk, including stress and high body weight.
  • Limited research comprehensively examines CVD risk factors within the Bear community.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors between Bears and other gay men.
  • To identify specific behavioral, medical, and psychosocial factors contributing to CVD risk in the Bear population.

Main Methods:

  • A comparative study involving Bears (N=31) and other gay men (N=105).
  • Logistic regression and ANCOVA models were used to analyze behavioral, medical, and psychosocial CVD risk factors.
  • Risk factors assessed included physical activity, self-reported hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, resilience, and self-esteem.

Main Results:

  • Bears were older and had a higher body mass index (BMI) compared to the control group.
  • Bears reported higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia.
  • These differences were not statistically significant after adjusting for age and BMI for diabetes.

Conclusions:

  • Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in the Bear community is primarily associated with older age and higher BMI.
  • Health promotion for Bears should align with subcultural norms and encourage healthier lifestyles over weight loss.

Keywords:
cardiovascular healthgay menminority stressobesity

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