A final limitation is that we did not examine whether deliberate changes in weight have an effect on personality development. Gains and losses in weight have an impact on perceptions of the self (Blaine, Rodman, & Newman, 2007; Burgmer et al., 2007), as well as perceptions of body image (Foster, Wadden, & Vogt, 1997; Walker, Gately, Bewick, & Hill, 2003). Whether these weight changes would also have a significant effect on the individual’s personality traits is yet unknown. For example, obesity may increase proneness to anxiety, depression, and self-consciousness, whereas healthy weight loss may reduce these tendencies. Future research would benefit from testing whether substantial gains or losses in weight have a significant effect on one’s personality traits, especially during adolescence and young adulthood.
