In control of weight: The relationship between facets of control and weight restriction

• Three types of control and weight restricting behaviours are investigated.
• Different types of control effect different types of weight restriction practises.
• ‘Self-control as self-esteem’ is particularly influential on weight restriction.

This study explored the moderating effects of body dissatisfaction (BD) on the relationships between various constructs of control and weight restricting and control behaviours (WRCBs). Participants were 167 female undergraduates who completed self-report measures of control, BD and WRCBs. It was found that higher external locus of control (LOC) was related to less dieting and exercise and that LOC was unrelated to purging. In addition, higher levels of general self-control were found to be related to higher levels of purging when BD was high but not low, and higher general self-control was associated with greater dieting and exercise behaviour. Finally, higher ‘self-control as self-esteem’ was strongly associated with greater dieting and exercise behaviour at both high and low levels of BD, whilst ‘self-control as self-esteem’ was related to purging only when BD was high. The results of this research suggest that different constructs of control have differential effects on WRCBs. The clinical implications of the findings are discussed.