Health Shock Effects on Diet: More Severe Shock – Stronger Response?

Open online seminar with Sinne Smed, Department of Food and Resource Economics.

Sinne about her research presented at the seminar:

"We investigate if the severity of life-style related health shocks affect the response in dietary patterns.

Using data sourced from official patient registers in Denmark, we analyse the effect from strong health shock (SHS) occurrences (cardiovascular disease) and mild health shock (MHS) occurrences (arterial hypertension and hypercholesterolemia). These data are combined with scanner data on food purchases obtained from a consumer panel.

Our analysis examines dietary effects stemming from these health shocks, including various nutrients, food groups, and overall adherence to dietary guidelines.

Our findings reveal immediate dietary responses to both severe and mild health shocks, with a larger effect observed for SHS compared to MHS. However, among individuals previously exposed to mild health shocks, we observe minimal to no alteration in food consumption subsequent to experiencing a SHS.

We argue that failing to account for this self-selection may lead to a misconception that severe health shocks do not result in dietary improvements."

How to participate

The seminar is open to all.
The seminar will take place online via Zoom: