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Can A Rational Choice Framework Make Sense of Anorexia Nervosa?

Author

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  • Robert S. Goldfarb
  • Thomas C. Leonard
  • Sara Markowitz
  • Steven Suranovic

Abstract

Can a rational choice modeling framework help broaden our understanding of anorexia nervosa? This question is interesting because anorexia nervosa is a serious health concern, and because of the following issue: could a rational choice approach shed useful light on a condition which appears to involve "choosing" to be ill? We present a model of weight choice and dieting applicable to anorexia nervosa, and the sometimes-associated purging behavior. We also present empirical evidence about factors possibly contributing to anorexia nervosa. We offer this analysis as a consciousness-raising way of thinking about the condition.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:14838
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Robert Goldfarb & Thomas C. Leonard & Steven Suranovic, 2006. "Modeling Alternative Motives for Dieting," Eastern Economic Journal, Eastern Economic Association, vol. 32(1), pages 115-131, Winter.
    2. Jared Diamond, 2003. "The double puzzle of diabetes," Nature, Nature, vol. 423(6940), pages 599-602, June.
    3. Joan Costa-i-Font & Mireia Jofre-Bonet, 2008. "Body Image and Food Disorders: Evidence from a Sample of European Women," CESifo Working Paper Series 2412, CESifo.
    4. Thaler, Richard H & Shefrin, H M, 1981. "An Economic Theory of Self-Control," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 89(2), pages 392-406, April.
    5. Suranovic, Steven M. & Goldfarb, Robert S. & Leonard, Thomas C., 1999. "An economic theory of cigarette addiction," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 18(1), pages 1-29, January.
    6. Robert Goldfarb & Thomas Leonard & Steven Suranovic, 2001. "Are rival theories of smoking underdetermined?," Journal of Economic Methodology, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 8(2), pages 229-251.
    7. Fabrice Etilé, 2007. "Social norms, ideal body weight and food attitudes," Health Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 16(9), pages 945-966, September.
    8. Levy, Amnon, 2002. "Rational eating: can it lead to overweightness or underweightness?," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 21(5), pages 887-899, September.
    9. 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.
    10. Rajeev K. Goel & Michael A. Nelson, 2006. "The Effectiveness of Anti‐Smoking Legislation: A Review," Journal of Economic Surveys, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 20(3), pages 325-355, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Strulik, Holger, 2023. "Hooked on weight control: An economic theory of anorexia nervosa and its impact on health and longevity," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 88(C).

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    JEL classification:

    • D0 - Microeconomics - - General
    • I0 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - General

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