Locus of control and weight reduction

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine if locus of control orientation is predictive for weight loss among participants in a behaviour modification weight reduction programme. The subjects completed a locus of control questionnaire consisting of 40 questions before starting the programme and again after 1 year. Forty-one participants started the programme, 28 remained after 1 year. Their weight loss was significant ( P<0.001) and associated with an internal locus of control orientation ( P<0.05). The findings suggest that different weight reduction activities could be offered depending on the person’s locus of control orientation. Participants with an internal orientation could be offered a standard weight reduction programme. Others, with a more external locus of control orientation, could be offered an adapted programme, which also focused on and encouraged the participants’ internal orientation.