Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/248593 
Year of Publication: 
2021
Series/Report no.: 
DICE Discussion Paper No. 376
Publisher: 
Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf Institute for Competition Economics (DICE), Düsseldorf
Abstract: 
We examine the relationship between trait self-control and body weight. Data from a population representative household survey reveal that limited self-control is strongly associated with both objective and subjective measures of unhealthy body weight. Those with limited self-control are characterized by reduced exercising, repeated dieting, unhealthier eating habits, and poorer nutrition. We propose an empirical method to isolate two facets of self-control limitations-high impulsivity and low restraint. Each has differential predictive power. Physical activity, dieting, and overall body weight are more strongly associated with restraint; impulsivity is more predictive of when, where, and what people eat.
Subjects: 
Brief Self-Control Scale
Obesity
Body Mass Index
Diet
Exercise
JEL: 
D91
I12
ISBN: 
978-3-86304-375-9
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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