Marijuana use and its association with unhealthy weight control and muscle-enhancing behaviors among sexual minority men in the United States: a cross-sectional analysis

TL;DR

The study finds that marijuana use is linked to unhealthy weight control and muscle-enhancing behaviors among sexual minority men in the U.S.

Contribution

This is the first study to examine the association between marijuana use and body image-related behaviors specifically in sexual minority men.

Findings

Marijuana users had significantly higher odds of engaging in unhealthy weight control behaviors like fasting and vomiting.

They also had increased odds of using muscle-enhancing substances like protein powder and anabolic steroids.

The strongest association was found for diet pill use, with an adjusted odds ratio of 3.12.

Abstract

Following marijuana legalization in several U.S. states, motivations for its use have expanded, especially among marginalized populations. While prior research links marijuana use with disordered eating, little is known about this relationship within sexual minority groups, who are already at elevated risk for body dissatisfaction and unhealthy weight control behaviors. This study examines associations between marijuana use and unhealthy weight control and muscle-enhancing behaviors among sexual minority men in the U.S.

We conducted a secondary analysis using data from the Men’s Body Project, a cross-sectional study on body image and health behaviors. The sample included sexual minority men across diverse backgrounds. Logistic regression was used to assess associations between marijuana use and seven behaviors considered risk factors linked to body image concerns: fasting, vomiting, laxative use, diet pill use, muscle-building supplement use, protein powder use, and anabolic steroid use.

Marijuana users had significantly greater odds of engaging in all measured behaviors. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) ranged from 1.88 (fasting) to 3.12 (diet pill use), all with p-values < 0.001. Other notable associations included vomiting (AOR = 2.61), laxative use (AOR = 2.23), protein powder use (AOR = 2.60), and anabolic steroid use (AOR = 2.62).

Our results suggest a significant association between marijuana use and elevated odds of engaging in unhealthy weight control and muscle-enhancing behaviors among sexual minority men. Findings highlight the need for tailored public health interventions addressing both substance use and body image within LGBTQ + communities.