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Analyzing Cross-Country Differences In Obesity Rates: Some Policy Implications

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  • Loureiro, Maria L.
  • Nayga, Rodolfo M., Jr.

Abstract

Obesity is a growing concern for both developed and developing countries. The aim of this paper is to provide an empirical analysis of cross-country differences in obesity rates in OECD countries. In particular, we study the effects of different urbanization processes, dietary habits, labor market changes, as well as other public policies undertaken by each country in order to reduce the incidence of obesity. Our results conclude that changes in dietary habits, which include the daily intake of more calories, are playing a positive and statistically significant role on the growth of obesity rates. Additionally, educational policies have a negative and statistical effect on increasing obesity rates. Further, the process of urbanization seems to be a major force contributing to the growth of obesity rates, while female labor participation is not increasing the incidence of obesity across OECD countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Loureiro, Maria L. & Nayga, Rodolfo M., Jr., 2004. "Analyzing Cross-Country Differences In Obesity Rates: Some Policy Implications," 2004 Annual meeting, August 1-4, Denver, CO 20209, American Agricultural Economics Association (New Name 2008: Agricultural and Applied Economics Association).
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:aaea04:20209
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.20209
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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.
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    5. Chou, Shin-Yi & Grossman, Michael & Saffer, Henry, 2004. "An economic analysis of adult obesity: results from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 23(3), pages 565-587, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Odelia Rosin, 2008. "The Economic Causes Of Obesity: A Survey," Journal of Economic Surveys, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 22(4), pages 617-647, September.
    2. Charles L. Baum & Shin-Yi Chou, 2011. "The Socio-Economic Causes of Obesity," NBER Working Papers 17423, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    3. Ferda Halicioglu, 2013. "Dynamics of obesity in Finland," Journal of Economic Studies, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 40(5), pages 644-657, October.
    4. Vincenzo Atella & Joanna Kopinska, 2011. "Body weight of Italians: the weight of Education," CEIS Research Paper 189, Tor Vergata University, CEIS, revised 23 Mar 2011.
    5. Vincenzo Atella & Joanna Kopinska, 2014. "Body Weight, Eating Patterns, and Physical Activity: The Role of Education," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 51(4), pages 1225-1249, August.

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