Are You Impulsive — Or Neurotic?
If you’re impulsive it seems that you are more likely to be overweight. If you’re highly neurotic and less conscientious, it’s more likely that you’ll see your weight go up and down.
At least that’s what was found in a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology — based on data accumulated over 50 years from close to 2,000 people. The researchers studied these generally healthy and highly educated people to attempt to determine how their personalities might affect their weight and body mass index.
Your Food Choices
So what does that mean for your food choices?
Think of it this way. If you are an impulsive person and prone to giving into temptation — as many impulsive people are — standing in front of a delicious bakery window and peering in may not be the best idea for you. It’s going to be darn hard not to succumb to temptation and turn around and walk away. And, if you do walk in, what are the chances that you can just order coffee without getting that delicious cinnamon-pecan sticky bun to go along with it?
So maybe do yourself a favor and plan your route so you don’t pass the bakery. By doing so you cut down on the opportunities for those impulsive food purchases that you might regret later.
Risky, Antagonistic, Cynical, Competitive, Aggressive
And by the way, according to the study people who are risk takers — or who are antagonistic, cynical, competitive, and aggressive — also gained more weight.
And If You’re Conscientious . . .
Lucky you if you’re conscientious because you were found (in the study) to typically be thinner.