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Fat city: questioning the relationship between urban sprawl and obesity

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  • Eid, Jean
  • Overman, Henry G.
  • Puga, Diego
  • Turner, Matthew A.

Abstract

We study the relationship between urban sprawl and obesity. Using data that tracks individuals over time, we find no evidence that urban sprawl causes obesity. We show that previous findings of a positive relationship most likely reflect a failure to properly control for the fact the individuals who are more likely to be obese choose to live in more sprawling neighbourhoods. Our results indicate that current interest in changing the built environment to counter the rise in obesity is misguided.
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Suggested Citation

  • Eid, Jean & Overman, Henry G. & Puga, Diego & Turner, Matthew A., 2008. "Fat city: questioning the relationship between urban sprawl and obesity," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 30826, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:30826
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    urban sprawl; obesity; selection effects;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • R14 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Land Use Patterns

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