Book excerpt: A balanced, nutritional diet and exercise are necessary for everyone, gay or straight. But lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people have additional health concerns that are important to remember. From AIDS infection to teen pregnancy, health issues in the gay community affect people of all ages. Learn about how issues of poor self-esteem and even self-loathing can contribute to such health risks as sexually transmitted diseases, drug and alcohol abuse, tobacco use, and depression. Find out how stereotyped images of ultra-thin models contribute to eating disorders and feelings of isolation. Most important, learn how LGBT people can lead healthy and productive lives by respecting themselves and each other.