Abstract
Body Mass Index intersects with many predictors of condom use; however, few
studies have viewed obesity as an independent predictor of condom use. Using a
theoretical viewpoint that the obesity stigma may change an individual’s behavior, I look
at BMI as an independent variable predicting condom use at last intercourse. After
controlling for age, race, STI diagnosis, depression, exercise, parental education, and
parental income, BMI is generally not a significant predictor of condom use. However,
there is an interaction between obesity and fitness: obese women who work out are 3.5
times more likely to use a condom, and obese women who do not work out are 64 percent
less likely to use a condom. This finding presents implications for both health education
and stigma reduction.
