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The hidden cost of sophistication: economic complexity and obesity

Author

Listed:
  • Ronald Djeunankan

    (University of Dschang)

  • Sosson Tadadjeu

    (University of Dschang
    World Bank)

  • Henri Njangang

    (University of Dschang)

  • Ummad Mazhar

    (Lahore Cantt, Lahore University of Management Sciences)

Abstract

Obesity has become a global health crisis, affecting people of all ages, regions, and socio-economic backgrounds. While individual behaviour and genetic factors contribute to obesity, the role of economic complexity in the evolution of obesity rates has not yet been empirically studied. Using a large panel of 110 countries over the period 1976–2015, this article estimates the linear and non-linear links between obesity and economic complexity. According to baseline results, an improvement in economic complexity will lead to an increase in obesity up to a certain threshold. Beyond this turning point, any further increase in economic complexity will significantly contribute to obesity reduction. The issue of simultaneity is tackled using the two-stage instrumental variable method. Our findings support the Obesity Kuznets Curve (OKC) pattern, which suggests that economic progress and obesity have an inverted U-shaped relationship. Our results suggest that greater embeddedness of knowledge in the products produced and exported by a country increases the likelihood of obesity in society, at least up to a threshold. From these results, some important policy implications are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Ronald Djeunankan & Sosson Tadadjeu & Henri Njangang & Ummad Mazhar, 2025. "The hidden cost of sophistication: economic complexity and obesity," The European Journal of Health Economics, Springer;Deutsche Gesellschaft für Gesundheitsökonomie (DGGÖ), vol. 26(2), pages 243-265, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:eujhec:v:26:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1007_s10198-024-01699-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s10198-024-01699-7
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    Keywords

    Economic complexity; Obesity; Obesity Kuznets Curve; Panel data; Instrumental variables;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • O11 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Macroeconomic Analyses of Economic Development

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