Convergent validity of the Larocque Obesity Questionnaire and self-reported behavior during obesity treatment

A validation study of the Larocque Obesity Questionnaire designed for use in obesity treatment was performed. Unlike other measures of obesity, this questionnaire includes scales measuring general emotional state as well as eating behavior. Subscales measured uncontrolled eating, physical stress responses, depression, and perfectionism. Subjects were 458 women and 79 men in treatment for obesity by general practitioners. The subscales showed acceptable internal consistency and related in predictable ways to measures of eating behavior, depression, self-criticism, stress, physical complaints and weight-control motivation. Subjects in the heaviest weight category (Body Mass Index > or = 40) showed higher scores on Stress Response and Depression subscales. There were no significant sex differences, after controlling for weight. All four subscales showed significant improvement after 5 wk., which indicates their sensitivity to changes during treatment.