We tend to think that homosexuals are worse off health and this is partly true because of their greater exposure to the AIDS virus. Partly true, therefore partly false! The National Center for Health Statistics, the American center that manages and publishes health data, observes through its study that health is not linked to sexual orientation.
More specifically, the study looked at the state of health of Americans, based on their sexual orientation. 34,500 people over the age of 18 were therefore questioned about their preferences in matters of sexuality, as well as their lifestyle. Of these, 97.7% identified as heterosexual, 1.6% as homosexual, and 0.7% as bisexual.
No less healthy
Researchers notice more homosexual smokers (27.2%) than heterosexual (19.6%). For alcohol, 35% of homosexual people have had five drinks in a day, at least once in the past year, compared to 26% of heterosexual people. On the other hand, homosexual men would do more sport and the obese proportion would be “only” about 23%, against 30% for the rest of the population.
Despite their greater exposure to AIDS, (the World Health Organization (WHO) has also recommended that they take antivirals for prevention) the researchers conclude that overall health varies little with sexual orientation. The differences are minimal and researchers cannot see a clear trend. A study that puts things in perspective!
