title: Differences in Weight-Related Behavioral Profiles by Sexual Orientation Among College Men: A Latent Class Analysis.
abstract: To identify and describe homogenous classes of male college students based on their weight-related behaviors (e.g., eating habits, physical activity, and unhealthy weight control) and to examine differences by sexual orientation.
  
  
  
  Study design was a cross-sectional sample of 2- and 4-year college students.
  
  
  
  Study setting was forty-six 2- and 4-year colleges in Minnesota.
  
  
  
  Study subjects comprised 10,406 college males.
  
  
  
  Measures were five categories of sexual orientation derived from self-reported sexual identity and behavior (heterosexual, discordant heterosexual [identifies as heterosexual and engages in same-sex sexual behavior], gay, bisexual, and unsure) and nine weight-related behaviors (including measures for eating habits, physical activity, and unhealthy weight control).
  
  
  
  Latent class models were fit for each of the five sexual orientation groups, using the nine weight-related behaviors.
  
  
  
  Overall, four classes were identified: "healthier eating habits" (prevalence range, 39.4%-77.3%), "moderate eating habits" (12.0%-30.2%), "unhealthy weight control" (2.6%-30.4%), and "healthier eating habits, more physically active" (35.8%). Heterosexual males exhibited all four patterns, gay and unsure males exhibited four patterns that included variations on the overall classes identified, discordant heterosexual males exhibited two patterns ("healthier eating habits" and "unhealthy weight control"), and bisexual males exhibited three patterns ("healthier eating habits," "moderate eating habits," and "unhealthy weight control").
  
  
  
  Findings highlight the need for multibehavioral interventions for discordant heterosexual, gay, bisexual, and unsure college males, particularly around encouraging physical activity and reducing unhealthy weight control behaviors.
authors: Institute for Behavioral and Community Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, California nvankim@mail.sdsu.edu.
authors: Nicole A
authors: NA
authors: VanKim
authors: Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
authors: Darin J
authors: DJ
authors: Erickson
authors: Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
authors: Marla E
authors: ME
authors: Eisenberg
authors: Boynton Health Service, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
authors: Katherine
authors: K
authors: Lust
authors: Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
authors: B R Simon
authors: BR
authors: Rosser
authors: Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
authors: Melissa N
authors: MN
authors: Laska
mesh_terms: D001835:Body Weight; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet; D015444:Exercise; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019529:Sexuality / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: College Males; Dietary Intake; Health focus: physical activity, nutrition, and weight control; Manuscript format: research; Outcome measure: behavioral; Physical Activity; Prevention Research; Research purpose: modeling/relationship testing; Setting: state; Sexual Orientation Disparities; Strategy: skill building/behavior change and culture change; Study design: nonexperimental; Target population age: adults; Target population circumstances: education and geographic location; Unhealthy Weight Control; Young Adults