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US Male Obesity from 1800-2000: A Long Term Perspective

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  • Scott A. Carson

Abstract

This study compares two US BMI data sets, one from the 1800s and the other from the early 2000s, to determine how black and white male obesity rates varied between 1800 and 2000. The proportion of individuals who were obese rather than overweight is responsible much of the increase in obesity. Because of their physical activity and close proximity to nutritious diets, farmers had greater BMI values than workers in other occupations; however, since the 19th century, physically less active white-collar and skilled workers have become more obese. Northeastern obesity rates are lower than from elsewhere within the US, while Midwestern BMIs increased and western BMIs decreased.

Suggested Citation

  • Scott A. Carson, 2013. "US Male Obesity from 1800-2000: A Long Term Perspective," CESifo Working Paper Series 4366, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_4366
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    File URL: https://www.cesifo.org/DocDL/cesifo1_wp4366.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    BMIs; US obesity epidemic; long-term health; obesity by race;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • J11 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Demographic Trends, Macroeconomic Effects, and Forecasts
    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • N30 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - General, International, or Comparative

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