Overweight / obesity and time preference: evidence from a survey among adults in the UK

This study explored the relationship between bodyweight and how individuals state they would trade off immediate income for higher amounts in the future (time-preference) Methods: An online survey was conducted targeting adults aged> 16 years in UK from 1/01/2016 to 31/07/2016. Using paid online adverts, as well as personal and professional networks for distribution of links to the online survey, the questionnaire asked respondents to report socio-economic and demographic information, height and weight and to complete a time-preference exercise. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics; associations were explored between BMI and respondents ’ characteristics and time preference using Spearman rank-order correlation and Chi-square tests as appropriate. We adopted STROBE guidelines for the reporting of the study. Results: A total of 561 responses were analysed (female = 293, males = 268). The relationship between time-preference and o verweight/obese, using BMI as the measure, is highly significant (Chi-Square = 95.92: P
Source: Obesity Facts - Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Source Type: research