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

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 unhealthy body weight and poorer subjective weight-related well-being. 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 relatively more predictive of when, where, and what people eat. •Low self-control is linked to higher body weight and lower weight-related wellbeing.•Potential mechanisms include reduced exercising and unhealthier eating.•We isolate two facets of self-control—impulsivity and restraint.•Restraint is more strongly associated with body weight, exercise, and dieting.•Impulsivity is relatively more predictive of when, where, and what people eat.