Mood and Food

By Holly St Lifer AARP

Can't lose weight?  You personality may be to blame.  Your character may affect your weight as much as your diet does, according to a new National Institute on Aging study.  Researchers found that impulsive people weigh about 22 pounds more than those who are cautious.  Antagonistic folks gained 10 pounds more over their lifetime than did their friendlier counterparts (angry people tend to binge eat, previous studies have reported).  those who are conscientious weigh the least: about 8 pounds less than those who are not as dutiful.  "While you can't change your personality, you can change your eating behavior based on what you know about your personality," says lead researcher Angelina R. Sutin, Ph.D. "So impulsive individuals might eat less if they plan their meals in advance."

I know when working with clients that their mood affects not only their eating habits, but their coping habits, exercise habits and stress reducing methods.  We can use this study as yet another excuse to say SEE its not my fault or we can take charge of our habits.  Seek out the help of professionals such as Nutritionist, Dietitian, Certified Personal Trainer to guide you.