Role of Self-Control and Cognitive Ability in Dietary Habits, Physical Activity, and Body Mass Index Among Medical Undergraduates

Abstract

Introduction  Self-control and cognition are mental processes that influence reasoning, modulate actions and shape decision-making. Both these processes regulate lifestyle choices, such as dietary habits and physical activity. Understanding the connection between self-control and cognition in conditioning dietary behavior and physical workouts is vital for developing targeted approaches to enhancing overall well-being. The present study explores the associations of self-control and cognition with dietary habits, physical activity, and body mass index (BMI). Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at a private medical college, over a ten-month period. The study population consisted of MBBS students across all the academic years. The study tool was a questionnaire with five domains. Domain 1 included demographic characteristics, Domain 2 the 'Brief Self-Control Scale,' Domain 3 the 'Cognitive Functioning Self-Assessment Scale,' Domain 4 the 'Fat and Fiber Behavior Questionnaire,' and Domain 5 utilized the 'Global Physical Activity Questionnaire.' Results The data collection form was distributed to 480 students, of whom 400 completed and submitted it, yielding a response rate of 83%. Data was entered and analyzed by SPSS version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, New York). Out of 400 students, 120 (30%) were males and 280 (70%) females. On chi-square test, there was significant association of self-control with body mass index (p=0.001), dietary habits (p=0.01), and cognition (p=0.001). Body mass index also showed a significant association with dietary habits (p=0.03). However, there was no significant association of cognitive level with body mass index (p=0.894), dietary habits (p=0.994), and physical activity (p=0.664). Binary logistic regression was conducted to assess the association between BMI and variables, including physical activity, self-control, dietary habits, and cognition, while controlling for age and gender. Higher self-control was significantly associated with lower odds of obesity (p=0.003). Dietary habits showed a potential protective effect, but the association was not statistically significant (p=0.07). Cognition and physical activity were not significantly associated with BMI (p>0.05). Conclusion These findings underscore the potential importance of self-control in weight management, suggesting that self-control may be more promising for supporting a healthier body mass index compared to cognitive function or physical activity. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the predictive value of self-control on body mass index over a span of time.