Obesity Kuznets curve: international evidence

Abstract

ObjectivesThe obesity epidemic has prevailed worldwide and is currently recognized as a global pandemic disease. Given the argument that various socio-economic features contribute to substantial differences in obesity rates across countries, economic development can also be considered a crucial factor of such variation. This study examines the relationship between economic development and each of three weight-related health statuses (rates of overweight, obesity, and morbid obesity). Study designThis study uses panel data analysis. MethodsUsing country-level panel data of 130 countries during the period from 1975 to 2010, we apply dynamic panel data analysis to mitigate possible endogeneity problems. ResultsThe main results show a clear pattern of the obesity Kuznets curve, i.e. a non-linear relationship between a country's income per capita and its weight-related health status, for both males and females. For low-income countries, as incomes increase, the weight-related health status deteriorates; thus, an increase in incomes raises the health risk. In contrast, for high-income countries, as incomes increase, the weight-related health status improves; thus, an increase in incomes reduces the health risk. ConclusionsThe policy implications from our analysis include the argument that a strong initiative for health policy targeting obesity prevention is required for middle-income countries, many of which are currently experiencing high economic growth.