Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #105863

Shahram Heshmat, PhD, Public Health, University of Illinois Springfield, Public Affiars and Administration, PAC 330, Springfield, IL 62974, 217 2067878, Heshmat.Shahram@uis.edu

This paper presents some insights from behavioral economics to the various aspects of overeating, dieting, and the relapse as discussed in the weight-loss literature. The purpose is to discuss the economic concepts behind of individual food choice, and to explain why consumer food choices often conflict with their desire for good health, and to assess policies to promote obesity prevention, effective weight-loss management. An understanding of the forces that shape people health behavior choices is an essential ingredient in the development of prevention policy.

Dieting behavior appears to be prime candidate for benefiting from behavioral economics, such as how people deal with outcomes that are uncertain and how they discount delayed costs and benefits. Consumers claim lack of self-control, or regret their actions and/or to seek means of restricting their own dietary choice. Such behavior is an example of dynamically inconsistent preferences.

Behavioral economics takes the premise that many of the factors that lead to relapse stem from faulty logic, and irrational assumptions, leading to inconsistent behavior. The prevalence of these biases suggests that there is room for improvement. In general, experience shows that being aware of these tendencies help people make better decisions.

The problem-based nature of obesity rather than discipline-based nature require integration of various fields of studies. The discussions draw from health economics, psychology, neuroscience, and public health.

Learning Objectives: