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Self-control and unhealthy body weight: The role of impulsivity and restraint

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  • Cobb-Clark, Deborah A.
  • Dahmann, Sarah Christina
  • Kamhöfer, Daniel A.
  • Schildberg-Hörisch, Hannah

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Cobb-Clark, Deborah A. & Dahmann, Sarah Christina & Kamhöfer, Daniel A. & Schildberg-Hörisch, Hannah, 2021. "Self-control and unhealthy body weight: The role of impulsivity and restraint," DICE Discussion Papers 376, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf Institute for Competition Economics (DICE).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:dicedp:376
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    Cited by:

    1. Alexander M. Danzer & Helen Zeidler, 2024. "Present Bias in Choices over Food and Money," CESifo Working Paper Series 11454, CESifo.
    2. Cobb-Clark, Deborah A. & Dahmann, Sarah C. & Kamhöfer, Daniel A. & Schildberg-Hörisch, Hannah, 2024. "Sophistication about self-control," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 238(C).
    3. Alexander M. Danzer & Helen Zeidler, 2024. "Present Bias in Choices over Food and Money," Working Papers 239, Bavarian Graduate Program in Economics (BGPE).
    4. Danzer, Alexander M. & Zeidler, Helen, 2024. "Present Bias in Choices over Food and Money," IZA Discussion Papers 17415, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Brief Self-Control Scale; Obesity; Body Mass Index; Diet; Exercise;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior

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