A new report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) examined how sexual orientation related to characteristics of health and healthy behaviors. This report developed out of the Healthy People 2020 initiative by HHS. One of the goals focused on health disparities affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) populations, which includes health as well as safety and well-being.

On some factors, the LGBT population performed better, while the heterosexual population performed better on others. For example, a higher percent of gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals were current cigarette smokers or had five or more drinks in a day in the past year as compared with heterosexual counterparts. On the other hand, the LGBT population, and each of its subgroups, were more likely to get tested for HIV regularly.

According to HealthDay News, there was no clear trend related to health that was divisible across sexual orientation lines. However, there are certain areas of vulnerability, opening opportunities for improvement and public health interventions. Some of the characteristics of the LGBT population could also provide lessons for improving health status and healthy behaviors in heterosexual populations.

Some of the differences showed a better status for LGBT individuals. Overall, gays, lesbians, and bisexuals were more likely than their straight peers to participate in regular exercise. Also, gay men were less obese than heterosexual men. They were also more likely to get flu vaccines than straight men, according to the HHS report.