Personality and metabolic syndrome

Abstract

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome has paralleled the sharp increase in obesity. Given its tremendous physical, emotional, and financial burden, it is of critical importance to identify who is most at risk and the potential points of intervention. Psychological traits, in addition to physiological and social risk factors, may contribute to metabolic syndrome. The objective of the present research is to test whether personality traits are associated with metabolic syndrome in a large community sample. Participants (N= 5,662) from Sardinia, Italy, completed a comprehensive personality questionnaire, the NEO-PI-R, and were assessed on all components of metabolic syndrome (waist circumference, triglycerides, highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol, blood pressure, and fasting glucose). Logistic regressions were used to predict metabolic syndrome from personality traits, controlling for age, sex, education, and current smoking status. Among adults over age 45 (n= 2,419), Neuroticism and low Agreeableness were associated with metabolic syndrome, whereas high Conscientiousness was protective. Individuals who scored in the top 10% on Conscientiousness were approximately 40% less likely to have metabolic syndrome (OR=0.61, 95% CI=0.41-0.92), whereas those who scored in the lowest 10% on Agreeableness were 50% more likely to have it (OR=1.53, 95% CI= 1.09-2.16). At the facet level, traits related to impulsivity and hostility were the most strongly associated with metabolic syndrome. The present research indicates that those with fewer psychological resources are more vulnerable to metabolic syndrome and suggests a psychological component to other established risk factors.

The biological control of voluntary exercise, spontaneous physical activity and daily energy expenditure in relation to obesity: human and rodent perspectives

“…However, previous studies (see also Dishman et al, 2008) have shown that human personality is related to healthrelated behaviours (e.g. exercise and maintaining a good diet) (Booth-Kewley and Vickers, 1994), obesity (Lykouras, 2008;Barry et al, 2009), and the metabolic syndrome (Sutin et al, 2010). Donahoo et al (Donahoo et al, 2004) and Johanssen and Ravussin (Johanssen and Ravussin, 2008) speculated that individuals with inherently higher SPA may subconsciously tend to choose jobs that are more physically demanding.…”

Personality and risk of diabetes in adults: Pooled analysis of 5 cohort studies.

“…Other personality traits, such as low agreeableness and interpersonal hostility, have also been associated with morbidity (Sutin et al, 2010), although less consistently (Deary et al, 2010;Smith & MacKenzie, 2006;Sutin et al, 2010). Personality might also influence the risk of adult diabetes, via behavior-related risk factors, such as physical activity and obesity (Jokela et al, 2013).…”

“…Based on earlier studies examining related health outcomes (Jokela et al, 2013;Sutin et al, 2010), we hypothesized that low conscientiousness, high neuroticism, and low agreeableness are associated with higher risk of incident diabetes and diabetesrelated mortality.…”

Perceived Sex Discrimination Amplifies the Effect of Antagonism on Cigarette Smoking

“…Although men tend to score slightly higher in antagonism than women, the correlates of antagonism generally do not differ by sex. For example, the association between antagonism and aggressive behavior is similar for men and women (Seibert, Miller, Pryor, Reidy, & Zeichner, 2010), as is the association between antagonism and risk of metabolic syndrome (Sutin et al, 2010). Further, the association between antagonism-related traits and smoking initiation does not differ by sex (Welch & Poulton, 2009).…”