Why do Individuals Overconsume Unhealthy Foods?

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.