Suicide and substance misuse among leading causes of death for LGB+ adults, ONS finds

Suicide and deaths linked to drugs and alcohol are among the most significant causes of death for adults identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual or other sexual orientations (LGB+) in England and Wales, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The analysis, which links 2021 Census data to death registrations between March 2021 and November 2024, shows that while ischaemic heart disease remains the leading cause of death for LGB+ adults, accounting for 11.9% of deaths, suicide ranks second at 7.1%. Liver disease and accidental poisoning also feature prominently among LGB+ adults, unlike in the straight or heterosexual population.

The findings reveal stark disparities in substance-related deaths. Drug poisoning deaths were nearly three times higher among LGB+ adults than among straight adults, while alcohol-specific deaths were close to twice as high. Overall, the age-standardised death rate from any cause was 982.8 per 100,000 people for the LGB+ population compared with 752.6 per 100,000 for straight adults. Mortality rates were higher for LGB+ adults across all age groups, with the largest gap in those aged 25 to 34.

Dr Emma Sharland from the ONS said: “There are some noticeable differences, with nearly three times as many drug poisoning deaths and close to twice as many alcohol-related deaths among the LGB+ group compared with the straight or heterosexual group. While this analysis does not explore causality, we hope this data will help inform health professionals and others working with different population groups.”

The ONS stresses that the analysis does not explore causality and that some differences may reflect age distribution between groups. Delays in registering deaths, particularly those certified by a coroner, may also affect figures.

For full details, read the ONS bulletin.