Self-Esteem and Locus of Control among Obese and Non-Obese Adults

Obesity is defined as an abnormal growth of the adipose tissue due to an enlargement of fat cell size called hypertrophic obesity or an increase in fat cell number called hyperplastic obesity or a combination of both. The present study examines the self-esteem and locus of control among obese and non-obese adults. The sample consisted of 60 participants, including 30 obese adults and 30 non-obese adults. To assess the level of self-esteem Rosenberg self-esteem scale was used and to assess the locus of control Rotter's locus of control scale was used. Food habit and concern toward body weight among obese and non-obese adults were also tested. Obtained results show that obese and non-obese adults do not differ significantly in their level of self-esteem and locus of control. Obese and non-obese adults do not differ in their food habit, but obese adults tend to have more concern towards their body weight compared to non-obese adults.