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Obese teens found less likely to use oral contraceptives

Contraception, especially oral contraception, is significantly less likely to be used by obese adolescents, compared with adolescents of normal weight, according to recently published data.

“Sexually active obese 18- to 19-year-old adolescent women were significantly less likely than normal weight peers to use any contraception; when obese adolescents used contraception, they used it less consistently than did normal weight adolescents. Consequently, sexually active obese adolescents in our sample were less protected from unintended pregnancy,” Tammy Chang, MD, MPH, MS, department of family medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and colleagues wrote.

Researchers conducted the Relationship Dynamics and Social Life study to assess the correlation between weight and sexual behaviors among women aged 18 to 19 years. Participants (n = 900) were asked to complete weekly journal surveys for 2.5 years that measured pregnancy status and desire, relationship commitment, sexual habits and frequency, and contraceptive use.

Results demonstrated that contraception was used by obese teens in 84% of surveyed weeks, compared with normal-weight teens who used contraception in 91% of surveyed weeks (P = .011).

Obese teens used contraception less consistently during weeks when sexual activity was reported compared with normal weight teens (68% vs. 78%; P = .016). Moreover, oral contraception was significantly less likely to be used by obese adolescents during weeks of sexual activity, compared with normal-weight adolescents (27% vs. 45%; P = .001).

No difference in frequency of sexual intercourse or number of sexual partners was seen between obese and normal-weight teens.

The researchers noted that obesity may be associated with lower self-esteem, especially among adolescents, which may cause these patients to feel uncomfortable discussing sex and contraceptive use with their health care provider. Additionally, Chang and colleagues warned that because comorbidities are associated with both adolescent and obese pregnant women, it is important that steps be taken so clinicians can be aware of these issues and tackle them accordingly.

“Reducing adolescent pregnancy is a national public health priority and we need to understand which adolescents are at higher risk of pregnancy. Our findings suggest that obesity may be an important factor associated with adolescent women’s sexual behavior. By understanding the barriers that put certain groups of teens at higher risk of unintended pregnancies, clinicians and researchers can tailor interventions to empower adolescents to make healthier sexual choices,” Chang said in the release. – by Casey Hower

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.