Sexual Abuse, Sexual Orientation, and Obesity in Women

Helen A. Smith · Nina Marković · Michelle E. Danielson · Alicia K. Matthews · Ada O. Youk · Evelyn O. Talbott +2 more

64 citations0/0 files storedJournal of Women s Health

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Child Abuse and Trauma Eating Disorders and Behaviors Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Among adult women an association between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and obesity has been observed. Research with lesbian women has consistently identified high rates of obesity as well as frequent reports of CSA, but associations between sexual abuse and obesity have not been fully explored. Our aim was to investigate the relationship between sexual abuse (SA) history and obesity among heterosexual (n = 392) and lesbian (n = 475) women (age 35-64) who participated in the Epidemiologic STudy of HEalth Risk in Women (ESTHER) Project in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. METHODS: Obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI) > or =30. Covariates included self-reported SA, sexual orientation, demographic factors, and history of a depression or anxiety diagnosis. SA history was assessed by three factors: (1) SA experienced under the age of 18 by a family member or (2) by a nonfamily member and (3) forced, unwanted sexual experience(s) at age > or =18. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests and logistic regression models. RESULTS: Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that obesity was associated with African American race, lesbian sexual orientation, intrafamilial CSA, and history of mental health diagnosis. Protective factors were having a household income of at least $75,000 and having a bachelor's degree or higher. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that lesbian women may be at greater risk of obesity than heterosexual women and that intrafamilial CSA--regardless of sexual orientation--may play a role in the development of obesity.

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References

2005Victimization Over the Life Span: A Comparison of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Heterosexual Siblings.2000Sexual Orientation and Health: Comparisons in the Women's Health Initiative Sample 2004Sexual Orientation, Health Risk Factors, and Physical Functioning in the Nurses' Health Study II 2007Overweight and Obesity in Sexual-Minority Women: Evidence From Population-Based Data 2007Obesity Risk for Female Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Prospective Study 2004Childhood sexual abuse and obesity 2008For better or worse: Relationship status and body mass index 1993Childhood Sexual Abuse, Depression, and Family Dysfunction in Adult Obese Patients

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2013Agressions sexuelles contre les femmes et homosexualité, violences des hommes et contrôle social 2014The Role of Borderline Personality Disorder and Depression in the Relationship Between Sexual Assault and Body Mass Index Among Women Veterans

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