title: Lesbian, gay and bisexual college student perspectives on disparities in weight-related behaviours and body image: a qualitative analysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To (1) explore college students' perceived sexual orientation-related barriers to engaging in physical activity, eating healthfully and maintaining healthy body images and (2) identify types of campus resources on physical activity, healthy eating and body image available to lesbian, gay and bisexual college students.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Previous research has highlighted sexual orientation disparities in weight status, physical activity, healthy eating and body image. Despite this, little is known about the context surrounding these disparities.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional study using individual interviews.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty (15 males, 15 females) lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer and pansexual-identified college students, aged 18-30 years participated in the study. Quasi-inductive coding was used to analyse transcribed interview data and an iterative coding process was used to organise data into themes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Many felt their sexual orientation helped them be physically active, engage in healthful eating habits and have a positive body image. However, sexual orientation was also identified as a stressor that adversely impacted physical activity and eating habits.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Lesbian, gay and bisexual students may have to negotiate their sexuality in ways that could adversely influence their physical activity, eating habits and body image. Both clinical and institutional interventions should be inclusive of all people, including lesbian, gay and bisexual, queer, and pansexual students. Further, tailored interventions to meet the specific health needs of sexual minority populations are needed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Clinicians need to understand the context in which sexual minority young adults experience health promotion messaging and programming. Clinic-based tailored interventions are critical as part of a multi-faceted approach in promoting physical activity and healthier eating habits for all young people, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer and pansexual, to more effectively address the prevention of chronic diseases.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Behavioral and Community Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Nicole A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: VanKim
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
authors.forename: Carolyn M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Porta
authors.affiliation: Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
authors.forename: Marla E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Eisenberg
authors.affiliation: Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
authors.forename: Dianne
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Neumark-Sztainer
authors.affiliation: Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
authors.forename: Melissa N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Laska
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001828:Body Image / Q000523:psychology*; D001835:Body Weight; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D000072339:Sexual and Gender Minorities / Q000523:psychology*; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: body image; college students; disparities; nutrition; physical activity; qualitative analysis; sexual orientation