Body Mass Index, Sexual Behavior, and Sexually Transmitted Infections
Author Information
Author(s): Nico JD Nagelkerke, Roos MD Bernsen, Sema Sgaier, Prabhat Jha
Primary Institution: Department of Community Medicine, United Arab Emirates University
Hypothesis
What is the relationship between body mass index, sexual behavior, and the risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections?
Conclusion
Obese and overweight individuals, especially men, report fewer sex partners than those of normal weight, but this does not correlate with their risk of HSV-2 infection.
Supporting Evidence
- Obese men reported an average of 11.94 lifetime partners compared to 22.08 for normal BMI.
- HSV-2 antibodies were significantly correlated with the number of lifetime partners.
- Obese individuals had a HSV-2 prevalence of 15.9% for men and 34.9% for women.
Takeaway
Fat people say they have fewer boyfriends or girlfriends, but they still get sick from a virus that spreads through sex just like everyone else.
Methodology
The study used NHANES 1999-2000 data, applying linear and logistic regression to analyze the relationship between BMI, sexual partners, and HSV-2 antibodies.
Potential Biases
There is a risk of bias due to self-reported data on sexual partners.
Limitations
The study may be affected by misreporting of sexual behavior and the exclusion of certain demographics.
Participant Demographics
979 men and 1250 women aged 20-49 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01 for men, p<0.05 for women
Confidence Interval
null
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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