On the microeconomics of food and malnutrition under endogenous discounting

This paper explores the microeconomics and dynamics of food and nutrition. It examines the linkages between malnutrition and the incentive to invest and accumulate capital. The analysis focuses on a dynamic model where preferences about the future depend on nutrition and health. Situations of malnutrition cover both ends of the spectrum: from nutrient deficiency to obesity. The model involves preferences that are not time-additive and exhibit endogenous discounting. This provides a framework to investigate the factors affecting consumption and investment behavior. The adverse investment incentives of malnutrition are examined. & 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.