Prediction of BMI by impulsivity, eating behavior and activity level

Abstract

Objective: Discuss the relationship between the impulsivity, eating behavior and activity level and the body mass index (BMI). Method: Test 147 female college students with the impulsivity questionnaire (BIS-11 and BIS/BAS), Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DBEQ), Sitting Time Scale (STS) and Exercising Time Scale (ETS). Results: (1) The correlation analysis indicates that BMI and impulsivity (r = 0.43 and 0.52) have a significant positive correlation with the sitting time (r = 0.61) and a significant negative correlation with the activity level (r= −0.49). (2) The path analysis indicates that the reward sensitivity directly affects BMI and indirectly affects BMI through the activity level as well; the eating behavior has an insignificantly direct impact on BMI, because its impact is generated by the intermediary role of induced diet. Conclusion: (1) The impulsivity, eating behavior and activity level are closely related to BMI; (2) the activity level, sitting time and induced diet play an intermediary role between the impulsivity and BMI.