Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/250648 
Year of Publication: 
2022
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 14987
Publisher: 
Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), Bonn
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
Document Type: 
Working Paper

Files in This Item:
File
Size
905.78 kB





Items in EconStor are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.