Factors Affecting the Probability of Choosing a Risky Diet
Journal of Family and Economic Issues, Vol. 24, No. 3, pp. 291-303, Fall 2003
Posted: 20 Jun 2005
Abstract
Eating a poor diet is risky behavior. Inadequate nutrition compromises health, and can increase the probability of premature death and/or reduced life quality. This paper uses a cost-benefit analysis from a health economic perspective to assess the impacts of costs and benefits associated with the odds of choosing a risky diet. Results indicate that time preference as measured through education, smoking, exercise, nutrition panel use, and motivation for nutrition knowledge significantly affect the odds of choosing a risky diet. In addition, variables hypothesized to influence the associated costs of tradeoff between present and future utility - location (both region and urbanization), income, race, gender, and age - are found to have an impact on the likelihood of choosing a risky diet.
Keywords: Diet choice, time preference, food consumption, nutrition economics, risk
JEL Classification: A12, D11, D13, D91, I12
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation