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Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
Published on: May 30, 2025
Willingness to pay for obesity prevention
Tsu-Tan Fu1, Yih-Ming Lin, Chung L Huang
1Institute of Economics, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei 115, Taiwan. tfu@econ.sinica.edu.tw
Economics and Human Biology
|April 19, 2011
Summary
Consumers are willing to pay for obesity therapy, with price being a key factor. Demographics and perceived impact of obesity on work significantly influence participation decisions for weight management programs.
Area of Science:
- Health Economics
- Behavioral Economics
- Public Health
Background:
- Obesity is a significant public health concern with substantial economic implications.
- Understanding consumer behavior and economic factors is crucial for designing effective obesity interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate consumers' willingness to pay (WTP) for obesity reduction therapy.
- To identify key factors influencing participation in weight management and obesity prevention programs.
Main Methods:
- Utilized economic modeling to estimate willingness to pay for a specific weight-loss therapy.
- Employed statistical analysis to determine significant demographic and socioeconomic factors affecting therapy participation.
Main Results:
- Price is the primary determinant for participation in obesity prevention therapy.
- Gender, education, income, perceived impact of obesity on work, and health status significantly influence participation.
- Average willingness to pay for a 5kg weight loss in 3 months was estimated at NT$12,531 (US$362).
Conclusions:
- Obese females with higher education and income, who perceive obesity as affecting work achievement and have attempted weight control, show the highest WTP.
- Pricing strategies and targeted outreach based on demographic and socioeconomic factors are essential for effective obesity therapy programs.
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