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Economic impact and policies for the obesity pandemic in emerging economies

Author

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  • García, Carlos J.

Abstract

A complementary methodology to traditional econometric analysis is proposed to estimate the economic impact of healthy eating and to evaluate policies against the obesity pandemic in emerging countries. The impact of healthy eating is quantified with a structural model based on stylized facts to define preferences, the relationship between disease and obesity, and agents’ perception of healthy eating. To illustrate the methodology, the model is estimated with Bayesian econometrics for a representative emerging country (Chile). The methodology is complementary to other alternatives, contributing to quantify the second-round benefits of food programs and public policies. Thus, to the extent that evaluation programs indicate that one or another alternative is beneficial, our proposal will show how these benefits are transferred to the entire economy and its productivity. This helps to add another criterion to classify the different policies, reinforcing the design and debate of public policies in this area and, also, with other matters of public interest. The results indicate that an emerging economy may be foregoing a substantial part of its growth if the obesity pandemic is not adequately addressed with policies that change agents’ behavior.

Suggested Citation

  • García, Carlos J., 2025. "Economic impact and policies for the obesity pandemic in emerging economies," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 85(C), pages 1949-1970.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecanpo:v:85:y:2025:i:c:p:1949-1970
    DOI: 10.1016/j.eap.2025.02.009
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Nutrition and economic growth; Obesity pandemic; Emerging and developing economies; General equilibrium models; Bayesian Econometrics;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F41 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance - - - Open Economy Macroeconomics
    • F43 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance - - - Economic Growth of Open Economies
    • I15 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Economic Development
    • O47 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Empirical Studies of Economic Growth; Aggregate Productivity; Cross-Country Output Convergence
    • O53 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Asia including Middle East
    • O54 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Latin America; Caribbean
    • O55 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Africa
    • O56 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Oceania

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