Is the increase in the prevalence of obesity partially due to cheaper food, easier accessibility to it, the prevalence of junk foods, more sedentary occupations, racial or socioeconomic status, social norms and expectations, incentives, or patterns of decision-making (discounting)?
...our goal ought to be to manage the consequences of obesity, by addressing its health impacts and making people accountable for bearing the costs and enjoying the benefits of their own weight choices. [Darius Lakdawalla]
...the results suggest that tailoring public health messages to marshal the attention of different cohorts in the U.S. -- and taking into account different norms and expectations -- might make them more effective. [Carol Graham]
Two economists discuss the possibilities at EconoBlog, a free feature of The Wall Street Journal. A different perspective from what you usually see in the public health world where it tends to be all about bad boys and girls (aka consumers, businesses and policy makers).
technorati tags: Economics, Obesity_Prevention, Social_Norms
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