Demographic and Minority Stress Risk Factors for Obesity Among Sexual Minority Youth Assigned Female at Birth

Emily A. Devlin*, Michael E. Newcomb, Sarah Whitton

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: Sexual minority youth (adolescents and young adults) assigned female at birth (SM-AFAB) are at disproportionate risk of developing obesity compared with heterosexual cisgender youth AFAB. Grounded in minority stress theory, this study aimed to identify potential risk factors for obesity among SM-AFAB youth to inform the development of prevention and intervention efforts for this high-risk population. Methods: Data were collected in 2017 from 367 SM-AFAB youth (ages 16–20 years). Multinominal logistic regression was used to assess cross-sectional associations of race/ethnicity, sexuality, gender identity, household income, and sexual minority (SM) stressors (internalized stigma, microaggressions, and victimization) with weight status (normal, overweight, and obese). Results: Roughly half (53.1%) of participants’ body mass index were in the normal weight range, with 24.8% in the overweight range and 22.1% in the obese range. Rates of obesity in Black and Latinx participants were 3–4.5 times those of White participants. Bisexual, pansexual, and queer individuals were at greater risk for obesity than gay/lesbian participants; only bisexual participants were at higher risk for overweight. Participants with a household income <$20,000 and between $20,000 and $39,000 were at greater risk for obesity than participants with household income >$80,000. Microaggressions were positively associated with obesity. Conclusion: Findings highlight risk for obesity among SM-AFAB youth, particularly for those who identify as racial minority, as low income, as being attracted to more than one gender, and for those who experience high levels of anti-SM microaggressions. Targeted obesity prevention and treatment programs should consider the unique needs, challenges, and strengths of SM-AFAB youth.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)103-110
Number of pages8
JournalLGBT Health
Volume11
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1 2024

Funding

There was no direct research support for this study. Data collection was supported by a grant from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (R01 HD086170; principal investigator: S.W.).

Keywords

  • AFAB
  • minority stress
  • obesity
  • sexual minority
  • youth

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Psychiatry and Mental health
  • Urology
  • Dermatology
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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