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Framing Obesity in Economic Theory and Policy

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  • Stefan Mann

Abstract

This paper explores several explanatory approaches for the rise and the prevalence of obesity in society. Both rationalist approaches and explanations involving information problems or weakness of will are considered. It is shown that many world religions take a united stance against obesity. While the recent rise in obesity can be explained rationally by a changed environment, information deficiencies and akrasia contribute to explaining its frequency in general. If the state intervenes, a “fat tax” carries much higher allocative losses than taxing overweight directly.

Suggested Citation

  • Stefan Mann, 2008. "Framing Obesity in Economic Theory and Policy," Review of Social Economy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 66(2), pages 163-179.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:rsocec:v:66:y:2008:i:2:p:163-179
    DOI: 10.1080/00346760701668461
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tomas J. Philipson & Richard A. Posner, 1999. "The Long-Run Growth in Obesity as a Function of Technological Change," Working Papers 9912, Harris School of Public Policy Studies, University of Chicago.
    2. David (David Patrick) Madden, 2002. "Setting the appropriate tax on cigarettes in Ireland," Working Papers 200225, School of Economics, University College Dublin.
    3. Lee, Taeku & Oliver, J. Eric, 2002. "Public Opinion and the Politics of America's Obesity Epidemic," Working Paper Series rwp02-017, Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government.
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    Cited by:

    1. Brennan, Andrew John, 2013. "A critique of the perceived solid conceptual foundations of ISEW & GPI — Irving Fisher's cognisance of human-health capital in ‘net psychic income’," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 88(C), pages 159-166.
    2. Sodano, Valeria & Verneau, Fabio, 2013. "The Many Faces Of Food Sustainability: The Obesity Issue," Politica Agricola Internazionale - International Agricultural Policy, Edizioni L'Informatore Agrario, vol. 2013(1), March.
    3. Konstantinos Eleftheriou & George Athanasiou & Periklis Kougoulis, 2013. "Labour market, obesity and public policy considerations," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 33(1), pages 783-793.
    4. Jon D. Wisman & Kevin W. Capehart, 2010. "Creative Destruction, Economic Insecurity, Stress, and Epidemic Obesity," American Journal of Economics and Sociology, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 69(3), pages 936-982, July.

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