The effect of Internet access on body weight: Evidence from China

Abstract

The Internet has significantly changed people’s daily lives, including their health status. In this paper, we study the health implications of Internet access with a specific focus on body weight. We exploit an Internet speed upgrading project in China and conduct a difference-in-differences analysis, where the treatment intensity depends on cities’ pre-existing Internet infrastructure conditions. We find consistent and robust evidence that increased Internet access reduces the incidence of being overweight. Regarding the mechanisms behind this result, we provide indirect evidence for the information channel, evidenced by improved health behaviors after the project: less engagement in risky health behaviors and increased participation in preventive health services and exercise. Internet diffusion also increases income, supporting the income channel through which the Internet can affect body weight.