Blog Section

Finding Control with OPTIFAST weight loss programs

weight loss programsSelf-control refers to the level of restraint you hold over your own impulses, thoughts and behaviors. When it comes to weight loss programs, there are many who claim they have little to no self-control. This most often comes out in the form of unhealthy eating habits, like:

  • Binge eating
  • Oversized portions
  • Emotional eating
  • Poor snacking habits
  • Eating from social pressure

As much as you may disagree, somewhere in you is the power to stay in control and triumph over obstacles like these. To take advantage of that control, you may have to change your perception. How you perceive who and what controls your life will influence your weight loss efforts.

Locus of Control

There are two ways that people look at their personal level of control. Actions are either internalized, which focuses blame and responsibility onto the person, or externalized, which directs responsibility outwards.

These are known as your locus of control. During your OPTIFAST weight loss programs, it may benefit you to start evaluating how you assign blame for events that happen in your life and consider ways that you can accept personal responsibility and maintain control. The process of shifting your sense of control often refers to as empowerment.

Where is your control and weight loss programs?

There are several signs that will commonly indicate if a person holds his or her control internally or externally.

An external locus of control often evokes:

  • Feelings of victimization
  • Passive compliance with life events
  • Feelings of frustration, helplessness and stress with events
  • Habit of blaming others and outside actions for events in your life

An internal locus of control is associates with a high sense of personal responsibility and accountability and links with increased levels of mental well-being.

During the weight loss program, empower yourself to take charge and remain accountable for your choices. When you shift your locus of control to be more internal, you’ll start realizing the actions you can take to change the course of your behavior.