A new study found that gay and bisexual men who use marijuana are more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors to control their weight or build muscle. Researchers looked at data from hundreds of sexual minority men and discovered that marijuana users were significantly more likely to fast, use diet pills, take muscle-building supplements, and try other risky weight control methods. The study suggests that marijuana use may be connected to body image concerns in this community, which already faces higher rates of body dissatisfaction. These findings point to the need for health programs that address both substance use and body image issues specifically for LGBTQ+ communities.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether marijuana use is connected to unhealthy weight control methods and muscle-building behaviors in gay and bisexual men
  • Who participated: Sexual minority men (gay and bisexual men) across the United States who participated in the Men’s Body Project study
  • Key finding: Men who used marijuana were 1.9 to 3 times more likely to engage in unhealthy weight control and muscle-building behaviors compared to non-users. For example, marijuana users were 3 times more likely to use diet pills and 2.6 times more likely to use anabolic steroids.
  • What it means for you: If you’re a gay or bisexual man who uses marijuana, you may want to be aware of your relationship with body image and weight control behaviors. This doesn’t mean marijuana directly causes these behaviors, but the two appear to be connected. Consider talking to a healthcare provider if you’re struggling with body image or unhealthy weight control methods.

The Research Details

This was a cross-sectional study, which means researchers collected information from people at one point in time and looked for patterns. The team used data from the Men’s Body Project, an existing study about body image and health behaviors in men. They looked at sexual minority men across diverse backgrounds in the United States and asked about their marijuana use and their weight control and muscle-building behaviors. The researchers used a statistical method called logistic regression to figure out whether marijuana users were more likely to engage in these behaviors compared to non-users.

This research approach is important because it helps identify connections between marijuana use and body image concerns in a group that already struggles with these issues. Sexual minority men face higher rates of body dissatisfaction and unhealthy weight control behaviors compared to other groups, so understanding what factors might make this worse is valuable for public health.

This study has some strengths: it focuses on an important and understudied population, and it measured multiple related behaviors. However, because it’s a cross-sectional study, we can only see that marijuana use and these behaviors are connected—we can’t prove that marijuana causes these behaviors. The study also doesn’t tell us why this connection exists. The sample size wasn’t specified in the available information, which makes it harder to evaluate how reliable the findings might be.

What the Results Show

Marijuana users had significantly higher odds of engaging in all seven unhealthy weight control and muscle-building behaviors measured in the study. The strongest associations were with diet pill use (users were 3.12 times more likely), anabolic steroid use (2.62 times more likely), and vomiting (2.61 times more likely). Other notable findings included laxative use (2.23 times more likely), protein powder use (2.60 times more likely), and fasting (1.88 times more likely). All of these associations were statistically significant, meaning they’re unlikely to have happened by chance.

The study found that marijuana users were more likely to use muscle-building supplements and protein powder, suggesting that the connection isn’t just about weight loss but also about body building and muscle enhancement. This pattern suggests that marijuana use may be connected to broader body image concerns and attempts to change appearance in multiple ways.

Previous research has shown that marijuana use is linked to disordered eating in general populations. This study extends that finding to sexual minority men specifically, a group that already has higher rates of body dissatisfaction and unhealthy weight control behaviors. The findings align with what we know about this community’s vulnerability to body image issues.

This study can only show that marijuana use and these behaviors are connected—it cannot prove that marijuana causes these behaviors. There could be other factors involved. The study also doesn’t explain why this connection exists. Additionally, the sample size wasn’t provided, making it unclear how many people were studied or how representative the sample was of all sexual minority men in the U.S.

The Bottom Line

Healthcare providers should consider screening sexual minority men who use marijuana for unhealthy weight control and muscle-building behaviors. Public health programs should be developed that address both substance use and body image concerns in LGBTQ+ communities. If you use marijuana and notice yourself engaging in unhealthy weight control methods, consider talking to a counselor or healthcare provider. (Confidence level: Moderate—this shows an association but not causation)

Sexual minority men, particularly those who use marijuana, should pay attention to these findings. Healthcare providers working with LGBTQ+ communities should be aware of this connection. Public health officials developing substance use and mental health programs should consider these results. People who are concerned about body image should be aware that marijuana use might be connected to unhealthy coping behaviors.

Changes in behavior and body image concerns don’t happen overnight. If you’re working to address unhealthy weight control or muscle-building behaviors, expect to see gradual improvements over weeks to months with consistent effort and support.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track weekly instances of unhealthy weight control behaviors (fasting, diet pill use, laxative use, vomiting) and muscle-enhancing supplement use alongside marijuana use patterns to identify personal correlations and trends over time.
  • Set a goal to replace one unhealthy weight control or muscle-building behavior with a healthier alternative each week. For example, if you typically use diet pills, try replacing that with a conversation with a nutritionist or counselor about body image concerns.
  • Monitor your body image satisfaction weekly using a simple 1-10 scale, track marijuana use frequency, and note any unhealthy weight control or muscle-building behaviors. Review patterns monthly to identify triggers and celebrate progress toward healthier habits.

This study shows an association between marijuana use and unhealthy weight control behaviors in sexual minority men, but it does not prove that marijuana causes these behaviors. If you’re struggling with body image concerns, unhealthy weight control methods, or substance use, please speak with a qualified healthcare provider, mental health professional, or counselor. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical or mental health advice. If you’re having thoughts of self-harm, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) or the Trevor Project (1-866-488-7386) for LGBTQ+-affirming support.