Impulsivity as a risk factor for weight gain and body roundness change among college freshmen

摘要

Background: The college setting is considered an obesogenic environment due to high availability of palatable foods. However, only a minority of freshmen gain weight. Individual-level risk factors, such as impulsivity, may hold utility in predicting weight and adiposity changes. Individuals with an impulsive decision-making style may favor immediately rewarding foods at the expense of long-term health. Individuals who seek rewarding foods during strong emotions may also be at risk. The study tested decisional (delay-discounting; DD) and emotion driven impulsivity (urgency) as risk factors for 1) weight and 2) body roundness change during freshman year.