Abstract
According to many psychological studies, obesity and overweight problems are among the important public health issues that may be largely influenced by impulsivity. This article summarizes questions related to obesity and weight problems based on the psychological assessment of various aspects of impulsivity, specifically related to eating habits.
This study included a total of 59 participants that were divided into 2 groups based on the BMI index: 1st group with obese or overweight participants; 2nd group with normal weight participants. Various questionnaires related to impulsivity were subsequently administered (DGI, UPPS-P, BIS).
Statistically significant differences were found on the physical satisfaction scale (DGI) and within the 1st order motor impulsivity (BIS). The normal weight group showed lower scores of impulsivity, in terms of physical satisfaction.
However, this group showed higher tendency towards impulsive bahvior in the 1st order motor impulsivity scores. The observed small differences between groups may be attributed to size and small weight differences between groups and the use of self-reports that are used mostly in the USA, where the prevalce of obese participants is higher.
Despite the mentioned study limitations, this study highlighted the relationship between higher body weight and impulsivity. The detection and understanding of the impact of impulsivity on the increase in obesity and overweight problems, which are becoming a more serious public health issue, is important in the early stages of its development.