Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/316189 
Year of Publication: 
2025
Series/Report no.: 
Quaderni - Working Paper DSE No. 1200
Publisher: 
Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Dipartimento di Scienze Economiche (DSE), Bologna
Abstract: 
We propose a theoretical model to study individual lifestyle choices related to calorie intake and physical activity, depending on personal fitness level and body weight. The model builds on the rational eating literature and can generate a variety of behaviors that are consistent with the empirical evidence. In particular, we show that engaging in periods of a sedentary lifestyle can be a rational, utility-maximizing decision-a finding that is not present in the existing literature but is empirically widespread. Additionally, we show the possible existence of multiple equilibria and multiple indifferent lifestyles. The former justifies policy interventions to help individuals exit a self-reinforcing, but unhealthy equilibrium; the latter provides a theoretical basis for remediation plans that compensate for earlier unhealthy behaviors.
Subjects: 
Lifestyle
Obesity
Physical exercise
Remedial behavior
Sedentary behavior
Skiba point
JEL: 
I10
D91
Persistent Identifier of the first edition: 
Creative Commons License: 
cc-by-nc Logo
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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