Original scientific paper

The Effect of an Impulsive Personality on Overeating and Obesity: Current State of Affairs

Ramona Guerrieri ; Maastricht University, Department of Clinical Psychological Science
Chantal Nederkoorn ; Maastricht University, Department of Clinical Psychological Science
Anita Jansen ; Maastricht University, Department of Clinical Psychological Science

Abstract

The worldwide obesity epidemic brings with it health-related, psychological and social problems and consequently a dramatic increase in health costs. Something needs to be done to stop or even reverse this trend and psychological and environmental factors seem to be our best bet. One psychological factor with potential is impulsivity. Research in populations that typically overeat (the obese and Bulimia Nervosa patients), in populations that are typically impulsive (e.g. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder patients) and in healthy participants has indeed begun to indicate that impulsivity plays a role in the problem of overeating. However, more research including actual food intake and true experimental research is needed to conclude that impulsivity actually causes overeating in the short term and possibly overweight or even obesity in the long run.

Keywords

impulsivity; impulsiveness; response inhibition; reward sensitivity; food intake; obesity

Hrčak ID:

32442

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/32442

Publication date:

15.12.2008.

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