AbstractsMedical & Health Science

Lesbian women have more than twice the risk of obesity compared to heterosexuals (Boehmer, Bowen, & Bauer, 2007). Literature on the causes of overweight and obesity among the lesbian population is inconsistent and scarce. The purpose of this study is to determine the association between quality of life (QOL), physical activity (PA) and obesity among lesbians. The Ferrans and Powers Quality of Life Index, the Duke Health Profile and the Modifiable Activity Questionnaire were completed by 209 adult lesbians through the use of an online surveying website. Significant differences were observed in OQOL (p =.009), PdHS (p=.000), HFQOL (p=.022) and depression score (p=.042) between normal weight and obese participants. No significant difference was observed in PA (p=.596) and GHS (p=.065) between normal weight and obese participants. The observed differences between normal weight and obese adult lesbians warrant further research to develop initiatives that focus on lesbian specific associations with obesity.