Antecedents of dietary regulation

Abstract

Achieving and maintaining good health is a goal of many individuals. With the recent increase in lifestyle related diseases, the importance of healthy eating in maintaining overall health has assumed great significance. A healthy diet helps protect against malnutrition in all its forms, as well as non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer. An individual’s eating habits over a period of time can have an impact on overall health. In order to achieve good health, regulation of eating habits (Dietary regulation) plays a significant role. This paper examines the association of selected antecedents that are posited to be associated with Dietary regulation. The factors that have been considered in this study are Hardiness of an individual, Future time orientation, and Cultural conditioning... The study provides a base for justifying a directional relationship between these factors, and Dietary regulation. The strength of these associations can then be examined. It appears that personality factors play a significant role in achieving behavioural changes. However, health behaviour can be affected by both-internal, as well as external sources of influence. In India, culture is posited to be a strong external influence, particularly on eating habits. Literature review reveals that the theories related to behaviour justify the inclusion of these factors as constructs for the study. An exploratory study was conducted, aimed at understanding perception and attitudes towards dietary regulation. The results of the study indicate the factors which can be associated with Dietary regulation.