I am interested in whether a relationship can be identified between an individuals perception of the quality of their diet and their BMI and WLOC.
Yes, there could be multiple relationships. I have more clinical experience on this than direct personal research knowledge, however. Consider the research on how belief in the efficacy (or lack thereof) of a psychotropic medication, e.g. antidepressant, will predict ultimate therapeutic response. People may believe that specific foods or dietary 'recipes' are therapeutic (or harmful). Weight Locus of Control will be affected by these beliefs. So if a person thinks that high fructose corn syrup or 'bad bacteria' will take over their metabolism and redirect their adiposity (ie make them gain weight), they may feel helpless and become avoidant, perhaps phobic about 'dangerous' foods. The opposite or inverted concept may also operate: If a person's Weight Locus of Control resides 'within' them and they perceive a sense of mastery over their environment, the have a high internal control, ie realization that they have the income and access capacities to acquire quality foods. Alternatively, a person may have a external locus of control: 'i am poor, living in a rural or 'urban desert' where quality food is inaccessible. People living 60+ miles from grocery stores with fresh food, who do not have the means to grow their own food, may rationalize a high BMI and have a low WLOC.
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