Research Finds Steroid Use Much Higher Among Gay And Bisexual Teen Boys

[xchrom]

http://www.buzzfeed.com/clairepires/research-finds-steroid-use-much-higher-among-gay-and-bisexua



21 percent of boys who identify as gay or bisexual say they have used steroids. That’s compared to just 4 percent of straight boys, according to a study published by The American Academy of Pediatrics Journal which compares “the lifetime prevalence of anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) misuse among sexual minority versus heterosexual US adolescent boys,” and attempts explain the differences.

Reasons for the increase in steroid use are unclear, but researchers say it’s possible gay and bisexual boys feel more pressure to have a muscular, stereotypical male physique or they think muscle-building will fend off bullies, according to the Associated Press.
Dr. Rob Garofalo, adolescent medicine chief at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, told the AP the differences aren’t surprising, since it is known that gay youth often have “body image issues.” But he said, “It is still shocking. These are dramatically high rates.”

In terms of moderate use, there were still differences between straight teens and gay or bi teens. For boys who take steroid pills or injections up to 40 times, 8 percent of gay or bi teens reported that amount, versus less than 2 percent of straight boys. For boys who take pills or injections more than 40 times, 4 percent of gay or bi boys reported that amount versus less than 1 percent of straight boys.

[joeybee12]

1. Well, you figure if you get bigger, you won't get picked on...

That could be a reason.