Sexual Orientation Disparities in Mental Health Vulnerabilities: Exploring Body Image Dissatisfaction and Desired Changes in Physical Attributes among Cisgender Heterosexual, Homosexual, and Bisexual Men in Taiwan

Purpose

Little is known about Asian cisgender men’s body image dissatisfaction (BID) and its variation among heterosexual, homosexual, and bisexual men. This study aimed to explore and better understand their specific BID concerns regarding various body parts and desired changes in physical attributes (DCPA), shedding light on the intersection of BID and sexual orientation among Asian men. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional anonymous survey was conducted among participants recruited through the popular online forum, PTT, which attracts a large youth population in Taiwan. The inclusion criteria were: cisgender men; aged 18 years or older; Taiwanese citizens. The prevalence and levels of BID for nine specific body parts and prevalence of DCPA were compared by sexual orientation. Pairwise mean differences and multivariable logistic regression models, adjusting for age and body mass index, were estimated for subgroup comparisons.