Revisiting obesity and condom use in men who have sex with men

The incidence of both eating disorders and sexually transmitted diseases (STD) is relatively high among men who have sex with men (MSM). Yet, only one study has explored the influence of body mass index (BMI) on sexual risk-taking behaviors in this population. The objective of this study was to reexamine the practice of anal intercourse among overweight and obese MSM and to assess the consistency with which condoms were used. MSM who had placed same-sex sexual advertisements were asked to complete a brief online survey. A total of 576 MSM completed the survey, which assessed: age, HIV-status, height, weight, rejection of sexual partners, number of anal intercourse partners, and condom use during anal intercourse. Increased BMI was associated with a lowered likelihood of rejecting sexual partners and decreased number of actual anal intercourse partners. Increased BMI was also associated with decreased condom use. In addition to cardiovascular disease, obese MSM may be at a higher risk for STDs relative to normal weight MSM. There was some evidence to suggest that inconsistent condom use in such men may be an expression of the overexcitement concomitant with the comparatively rare event of acquiring an anal intercourse partner.