title: Dysfunctional traits in obese women and underweight men.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The prevalence of obesity is rapidly increasing worldwide, together with its comorbidities. Our aim was to assess the emotional traits and affective temperaments, according to various Body Mass Index (BMI) groups, in a large sample.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data was collected by a web-survey on psychological and psychiatric measures (BRAINSTEP). The BMI was evaluated by self-reporting and temperament was evaluated by the Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament Scale (AFECTS). The final sample consisted of 10,786 individuals (mean age 27.9 ± 7.8 years, 70% females).
  
  
  RESULTS
  About 40% of the sample had a BMI score higher than normal. The overall BMI score was particularly associated with a higher Desire and a lower Control and Volition (p<0.001 for all), especially in women. Obese females also had significantly lower Coping, Stability, and Caution. In males only, underweight individuals were more fearful and sensitive, and they had a lower Coping and Volition character than normal weight subjects, suggesting a more fragile and immature profile. Linear regression with several adjustments confirmed these associations. Regarding affective temperaments, a Depressive type was more prevalent among underweight subjects, an Obsessive type was associated with a normal BMI, and a Hyperthymic type was apparent in overweight individuals of both genders. Underweight males and females were more prone to having an internalized temperament.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Only self-reporting measures were used in a cross-sectional design.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Obese women and underweight men have a more dysfunctional trait profile. Addressing these traits may be important for prevention strategies and, possibly, for weight reduction in women.
authors.affiliation: Hospital São Lucas da Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
authors.forename: Wyllians V
authors.initials: WV
authors.lastname: Borelli
authors.affiliation: Hospital São Lucas da Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Faculdade de Biociências, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil. Electronic address: drlara@pucrs.br.
authors.forename: Diogo R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Lara
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009765:Obesity / Q000523:psychology*; D013694:Temperament; D013851:Thinness / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: BMI; Obesity; Personality; Temperament; Traits; Underweight