Why do Individuals Overconsume Unhealthy Foods?

Effrosyni Adamopoulou
Profile Picture of - Effrosyni Adamopoulou

Effrosyni Adamopoulou

Abstract information

Is there a link between scarcity of food in early life and later overconsumption? In this video, EFFROSYNI ADAMOPOULOU focuses on the behaviors of individuals who experienced meat scarcity as children in Italy during World War II. Drawing on data revealing the availability of meat during the war and employing a difference-in-difference framework, Adamopoulou arrives at a number of striking findings. Not only does the temporary scarcity of meat in early life increase the probability of later overconsumption, but this behavioral effect also persists to the next generation. Highlighting the role that gender plays in this dynamic, Adamopoulou’s research demonstrates that policymakers need to give greater consideration to behavioral mechanisms and their long term effects.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21036/LTPUB10912

Researcher

Effrosyni (Efi) Adamopoulou is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Economics at the University of Mannheim. On leave from her position as an economist at the Bank of Italy, Adamopoulou completed her PhD at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid. Adamopoulou’s main research interests include labor economics, family economics, applied econometrics and macroeconomics. Recipient of the 2012 Young Labor Economist Prize from the European Association of Labor Economists, Adamopoulou was awarded a Seal of Excellence from the European Commission in 2020.

Institution information

University of Mannheim (Universität Mannheim)

The University of Mannheim is frequently cited as the “Harvard of Germany,” primarily due to its world-class reputation in business administration and economics. Centered within the magnificent Mannheim Palace, one of the largest baroque buildings in Europe, the university provides a unique architectural setting for its academic pursuits. It is highly regarded for its research-driven curriculum and strong ties to the corporate sector, consistently ranking as the top German institution for social sciences and business. With a focused profile and a highly international outlook, it remains a premier destination for future leaders in finance, politics, and academia.
University of Mannheim (Universität Mannheim)
Cover Photo of - University of Mannheim (Universität Mannheim)

Original Publication

Eating Habits: The Role of Early Life Experiences and Intergenerational Transmission

Effrosyni Adamopoulou,

Elisabetta Olivieri,

Eleftheria Triviza

Published in

Book Recommendation

A Treatise on the Family

Gary S. Becker

Becker in his landmark work on the family. Becker shows that social welfare programs have significant effects on the allocation of resources within families.

Citation

Effrosyni Adamopoulou, 

Latest Thinking, 

Why do Individuals Overconsume Unhealthy Foods?, 

https://doi.org/10.21036/LTPUB10912, 

Credits:

© Effrosyni Adamopoulou 

and Latest Thinking

This work is licensed under CC-BY 4.0