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A Behavioral Model of Cyclical Dieting

In: The Economics of Obesity

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  • Steven M. Suranovic
  • Robert S. Goldfarb

Abstract

This paper presents a behavioral economics model with bounded rationality to describe an individual's food consumption choices that lead to weight gain and dieting. Using a physiological relationship determining calories needed to maintain weight, we simulate the food consumption choices of a representative female over a 30-year period. Results show an individual will periodically choose to diet, but that diet will reduce weight only temporarily. Recurrence of weight gain leads to cyclical dieting, which reduces the trend rate of weight increase. Dieting frequency is shown to depend on decision period length, dieting costs, and habit persistence.

Suggested Citation

  • Steven M. Suranovic & Robert S. Goldfarb, 2006. "A Behavioral Model of Cyclical Dieting," Advances in Health Economics and Health Services Research, in: The Economics of Obesity, pages 49-78, Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
    • Handle: RePEc:eme:aheszz:s0731-2199(06)17003-x
    DOI: 10.1016/S0731-2199(06)17003-X
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    Cited by:

    1. Robert S. Goldfarb & Thomas C. Leonard & Sara Markowitz & Steven Suranovic, 2009. "Can A Rational Choice Framework Make Sense of Anorexia Nervosa?," NBER Working Papers 14838, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    2. Liu, Yaqin & Ferreira, Susana & Colson, Gregory & Wetzstein, Michael, 2013. "Obesity and Counseling," 2013 Annual Meeting, August 4-6, 2013, Washington, D.C. 149947, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.
    3. Yaniv, Gideon & Rosin, Odelia & Tobol, Yossef, 2009. "Junk-food, home cooking, physical activity and obesity: The effect of the fat tax and the thin subsidy," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 93(5-6), pages 823-830, June.

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