Association of anxiety and self-control with quality of life in adults with overweight or obesity

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the changes in “health-related quality of life” from anxiety andself-control. 270 users of a primary health care center in Mexico City answered the Hospital Anxiety andDepression Scale, the Self-control Brief Scale and the SF-12 Health survey that measures mental andphysical quality of life. Results showed significant relationships between anxiety and self-control withquality of life. In a multivariate stepwise model adjusted by body mass index (BMI), gender and age, bothanxiety and self-control predicted physical and mental quality of life showing higher scores in the responsevariables for those who reported greater self-control and lower anxiety levels. These results show how thesepsychological factors may lead to adverse health conditions and physical and psychological well-beingthrough choices related to habits and lifestyle, as they are associated to impulsivity and lack ofself-regulation skills.