Yafteh

Background : The prevalence of obesity has increased all over the world, putting people under serious health risks. Research on psychological factors involved in obesity can be an effective step to prevent and treat obesity. Thus, the present research investigated the relationship between personality traits and eating behavior among individuals with high and normal body mass index.

Materials and Methods: The present study was causal-comparative and the population were included women referring to hospitals and clinics in Districts 1 and 2 in Tehran as well as women with normal weight living in these two districts. Of these, 150 women (75 overweight and 75 normal weights) were selected using convenience sampling. They were asked to complete NEO-Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) and Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ the data obtained were analyzed using independent t-test.

Results: The results of the study showed that Openness to Experience and Cognitive Restraint in obese individuals were significantly less than those who had a normal weight. Inversely, Emotional Eating and Uncontrolled Eating among obese individual were significantly higher than what was observed for individuals with a normal weight.

Conclusion: Openness to Experience, Cognitive Restraint, Emotional Eating, and Uncontrolled Eating can play a significant role in obesity.That needs more attention.