Food Addiction and Impulsive Personality

   Researchers observed that persons with impulsive personalities tend to be more addicted on food, an addiction which is similar to drug addiction. This food addiction will eventually lead to obesity. The impulsive personality is shown when a person does something in a hurry without considering the consequences the person will encounter which results to unsuccessful acts.

 

    According to a professor in UGA’s Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, they could study the impulsive personality and food addiction with the same techniques used in studying alcohol, and other forms of drug addiction. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s statistics, more than one thirds of adults are obese in U.S. population. These adults are more likely to have diabetes, stroke, cancer, heart attack, etc. In 2008, $147 million was spent for medical costs due to obesity and obese people spend $1429 more (average) in medical expenses than people with normal weight. The study could help in making better treatments and interventions for food addiction.

    The researchers used two different scales in the study which are the Yale Food Addiction Scale and the UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale which are used to determine the food addiction and impulsive personalities of the test persons. These values are then compared with the body mass index of other test subjects. The study shows that impulsive behavior is not directly related to obesity but impulsive behavior might lead to food addiction. Even though a person who has an impulsive personality will become obese, an increase in the impulsive behavior might lead to food addiction. Researchers are trying to widen the coverage of their study by observing the brain activity of people on how they make decisions about food. The wide range of food selection nowadays and the variety of nutrients and additives found in food and how these things could affect the obesity of a person will be studied. Neuroscience is a big help for understanding the concept behind drug addiction and food addiction as well.

    Eating is very essential for human beings; however, we should consider the effect of the food that we are eating in our body, whether it is good or bad so that we could have healthier and better life. 

Blogpost by: Jocel Tonido

References:

Hataway, J., 2014. Science Daily. [Online]
Available at: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/01/140124161245.htm
[Accessed 26 January 2014 ].

Pychyl, T. A., 2009. Psychology Today. [Online]
Available at: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/dont-delay/200906/why-are-you-so-impulsive
[Accessed 26 January 2014].