* Text Courtesy IANS

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(IANS) A "can do" attitude can work wonders for your health and outlook on life but those who have a greater faith in 'luck' or 'fate' are more likely to live an unhealthy life, says an Australian study.

Researchers from the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research analysed data on the diet, exercise and personality type of more than 7,000 people.

Those who believe in scripting their own lives ate healthier food, exercised more, smoked less and avoided binge drinking, the findings demonstrated, according to a Melbourne statement.

Deborah Cobb-Clark, professor at the Melbourne Institute, said those who have a greater faith in 'luck' or 'fate' are more likely to live an unhealthy life. "Our research shows a direct link between the type of personality a person has and a healthy lifestyle," she said.

"The main policy response to the obesity epidemic has been the provision of better information, but information alone is insufficient to change people's eating habits," she said.

"Understanding the psychological underpinning of a person's eating patterns and exercise habits is central to understanding obesity," she said.

The study also found men and women hold different views on the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Men wanted physical results from their healthy choices, while women were more receptive to the everyday enjoyment of leading a healthy lifestyle.