Investigating the effects of food insecurity, self-efficacy, and locus of control on obesity in an emerging markets

Abstract

Increasing rates of obesity are affecting many countries around the world, including developing regions such as Indonesia. One of the factors contributing to obesity is a lack of food security, which involves a lack of control over when food will be available. Food insecurity is linked to low self-efficacy and can lead consumers to overeat high-energy-density foods and drinks when available. This research empirically tested the relationships between people's intention to diet and exercise with the locus of control and general and specific health self-efficacy resulting from the lack of food security in Indonesia, employing a mixed-methods approach comprising a qualitative approach in Study 1 (n = 23) and a quantitative approach in Study 2 (n = 1494). The results indicate that study participants were struggling to maintain healthy diets and lifestyles and attempted various strategies to compensate for their poor diets. Moreover, the results suggest that food insecurity negatively influences individuals' self-efficacy, subsequently influencing people's intention to exercise and eat healthily. Our findings carry important policy implications for developing economies. Governments should ensure the availability of nutritious food for their populations, especially for the poor. Predictable, nutritionally sound foods are essential to prevent overeating high-energy-density foods. We recommend that governments develop mixed downstream and midstream approaches, such as mentoring programs, to develop self-efficacy and address obesity.