Background: Obesity can be considered as a risk factor for (re-)occurrence of coronary heart disease.
Methods: The relationship between modification in quetelet index and personality characteristics was assessed in 166 survivors of a first myocardial infarction (MI). Quetelet index (weight/(height)2) was calculated a few days after first MI and again 5 months later. A multiple regression analysis was executed, with the quetelet index after 5 months as dependent variable and adjustment for gender, age, and quetelet index at baseline.
Results: It was found that strong feelings of vital exhaustion and lack of tension significantly contributed to the prediction of increased quetelet index 5 months after a first MI.
Conclusions: It is recommended that individually tailored interventions be used based on these personality characteristics to accomplish body weight reduction in MI patients.