Relationship of Behavioral Traits to Obesity and Response to Calorie Labeling

Objectives: We explored the relationship between time discounting, planning ability, and impulsivity in obesity and one policy approach meant to influence obesity, calorie labeling. Methods: Data were collected from a telephone survey of 2926 adults. The choice of a lottery payout of $1000 now or $1500 in a year measured time discounting, financial planning horizon measured planning ability and self-control, and impulsivity was measured through an index of 3 questions. Results: Obese individuals were more likely than non-obese to have a short financial planning horizon (OR=1.31, 95% CI: 1.10-1.57), but did not demonstrate differences in time discounting or impulsivity compared to non-obese individuals. Measures of time discounting, financial planning, and impulsivity were not predictive of individuals reporting being influenced by calorie labeling. Conclusions: Differences in planning ability are associated with and may play a role in the development of obesity.