Obesity and the Rate of Time Preference: Is there a Connection?

Komlos, John; Smith, Patricia K. und Bogin, Barry (Juli 2003): Obesity and the Rate of Time Preference: Is there a Connection? Münchener Wirtschaftswissenschaftliche Beiträge (VWL) 2003-16 Journal of Biosocial Science, 36

Abstract

We hypothesize that recent trends in U.S. and worldwide obesity are, in part, related to an increase in the marginal rate of time preference, where time preference refers to the rate at which people are willing to trade current benefit for future benefit. The higher the rate of time preference, the larger is the factor by which individuals discount the future health risks associated with current consumption. Data from the United States, as well as international evidence, suggests that a relationship between these two variables is plausible. We encourage researchers to explore the possible link between obesity and time preference, as important insights are likely to result.

• Dokumententyp: Paper
• Keywords: time preference, obesity
• Fakultät: Volkswirtschaft ; Volkswirtschaft > Munich Discussion Papers in Economics ; Volkswirtschaft > Munich Discussion Papers in Economics > Wirtschaftsgeschichte ; Volkswirtschaft > Lehrstühle > Seminar für Wirtschaftsgeschichte
• Themengebiete: 300 Sozialwissenschaften > 300 Sozialwissenschaft, Soziologie ; 300 Sozialwissenschaften > 330 Wirtschaft
• JEL Classification: I12
• Sprache: Englisch