Does Impulsive Response to Internal and External Food Cues Lead to Higher Calorie Intake?

Abstract

Measuring the impact of self-control on caloric intake has proved challenging in non-experimental studies. In this article, we study the relationship between self-control and food intake quantified by calories. Using validated behavioral measures, we find that impulsivity increases caloric intake, and that restraint decreases intake. Furthermore, the effect of impulsivity and restraint is more pronounced at the upper end of the calorie distribution. Thus, individuals already consuming more calories display a heightened reaction and likelihood to succumb to food environmental pressures. An individual's decision to diet, when allowed to vary with behavioral measures, bears no unique significance on caloric intake. Our results are robust to different levels of physical activity and generally robust to underreporting.