Psychosocial and behavioural factors in the regulation of weight: Self-regulation, self-efficacy and locus control

Objective: To identify the relationship and behaviour of the variables of self-control, self' efficacy and locus control in weight regulation of obese, overweight and normal weight adults. Method: Transversal study undertaken in the Health Centre of El Coto (Gijon) from 1 st April to 30th July 2015. Participants: Subjects between 18-65 years of age with a body mass index recording within the last two years. Exclusions: serious medical illness, eating disorders or pregnant women. Main measurements: Behavioural variables: self-regulation of body weight (Inventory of self-control of body weight), perceived self-efficacy in weight regulation (Inventory of perceived self-efficacy in weight regulation) and locus control in weight regulation (Inventory of locus control in weight regulation). Anthropometric variables: weight (kg) and height (m), body mass index. Results: One hundred and six participants were included: 32 were obese, 28 overweight and 46 normal weight. Significant differences were found between the 3 study groups for total scale of self-efficacy (F=61.77; p<.01), total scale of self-regulation (F=45.97; p<.01), internal locus control (F=13.92; p=.019), other weighty influences of locus control (F=9.21; p<.01) and random locus control (F=3.50; p=.011). Conclusions: The relationship between body mass index and behavioural variables of self efficacy, self-regulation and locus control, suggests the need for healthcare professionals to include psychological factors of behaviour in any preventive action and intervention directed at weight control. (C) 2018 Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. All rights reserved.