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Intertemporal discounting as a risk factor for high BMI: evidence from Australia, 2008
1School of Economics, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
Economics and Human Biology
|June 22, 2013
Summary
Intertemporal discounting, or how people value future rewards, is a significant risk factor for higher body mass index (BMI). This finding highlights the link between delayed gratification and weight management.
Area of Science:
- Health Economics
- Behavioral Economics
- Public Health
Background:
- Intertemporal discounting influences various health behaviors.
- Understanding its link to body weight is crucial for public health interventions.
- Previous research has explored various factors associated with body mass index (BMI).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between intertemporal discounting and body mass index (BMI).
- To determine if different measures of intertemporal discounting correlate with BMI.
- To assess the magnitude of intertemporal discounting as a risk factor for increased BMI.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Australian survey data from the South Australian Health Omnibus Survey (2008).
- Employed quantile regression analysis to examine BMI across its distribution.
- Used stated preference measures to elicit intertemporal discounting from monetary and health trade-offs.
Main Results:
- A significant positive relationship was found between a monetary trade-off measure of intertemporal discounting and BMI.
- This association appeared stronger in higher BMI quantiles, though not statistically significant.
- Intertemporal discounting emerged as a risk factor for elevated BMI, comparable to income and education.
Conclusions:
- Intertemporal discounting, particularly when measured via monetary trade-offs, is a significant predictor of increased BMI.
- This behavioral factor warrants consideration alongside traditional socioeconomic determinants of body weight.
- Further research may explore the nuances of different discounting measures and their impact on health outcomes.
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