Lesbians’ attitudes and beliefs regarding overweight and weight reduction

Aim and objective. This article presents data on attitudes and beliefs about overweight/weight reduction in lesbians. The project was developed to have information on which to base future culturally sensitive interventions to reduce cardiovascular risk in lesbians. Background. Lesbians have been found to have high rates of obesity/overweight and to be more accepting of it. Researchers have hypothesised that this is attributed to different attitudes towards body weight and shape in lesbians than heterosexuals. Little is known about acceptable ways to intervene to decrease cardiovascular risk in lesbians in view of these attitudes. Design. Women over 21 who self‐identified as lesbian and reported one or more cardiovascular risk factors were recruited from medical providers and community resources. Twenty‐five women participated in five focus groups that explored practices, attitudes and beliefs about cardiovascular risk and culturally acceptable strategies to reduce cardiovascular risk in lesbians. Method. Demographic and risk factor information was collected from focus group members by questionnaire. Focus groups were audiotaped and transcribed. Investigators reviewed the transcripts and identified, coded and categorised data to begin to identify emergent themes. Results. Lesbian participants with risk factors for cardiovascular risk expressed concern about the health consequences of weight but want a focus on their general health rather than exclusively on the BMI. There is not homogeneity in attitudes and beliefs about weight and overweight among lesbians, and generational differences were found. Minority stress, anxiety and depression and homophobia were major factors in health behaviours and barriers to changing unhealthy behaviours. Relevance to clinical practice. Lesbian participants with risk factors for cardiovascular disease were eager to be involved in individual and group culturally sensitive programs that focus on improved health and well being. Recommended interventions include lesbian specific multidimensional group interventions that could deal with the multiple factors involved in causing and maintaining the behaviours.