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

Finke, Michael S. and Huston, Sandra J., Factors Affecting the Probability of Choosing a Risky Diet. Journal of Family and Economic Issues, Vol. 24, No. 3, pp. 291-303, Fall 2003, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=744573

Michael S. Finke (Contact Author)

The American College ( email )

Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
United States

Sandra J. Huston

Texas Tech University ( email )

2500 Broadway
Lubbock, TX 79409
United States

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