Obesity, Wellbeing, Freedom of Choice, and Institutional Change

Building on Tomer’s insights on the determinants of unhealthy eating and obesity, we extend the important price-based model of “rational” consumer choice with healthy living determinants such as food and exercise. We argue that variables such as the quality of information, information literacy, access to healthy foods, and safe and affordable space for exercise, the quality of exercise provision are key determinants of healthy living and, therefore, of the extent to which individuals are obese or overweight. Empirically, critical to reducing the extent of obesity to reducing consumption and/or adequate physical activity. We argue, contrary to Tomer, that as opposed to nudging consumers into behaving in particular a fashion to reduce obesity, it is best to improve individuals’ decision-making environments and capabilities.