A Dynamic Estimation of Obesity Using Nhanes Data: A Pseudo-Panel Approach

Area of Science:

• Health Economics
• Obesity Research
• Human Capital Theory

Background:

• The relationship between socioeconomic status, specifically wages, and obesity is complex and debated.
• Existing literature often suggests a protective effect of higher wages against obesity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To dynamically estimate the effect of wages on obesity using Grossman's human capital model.
• To investigate how past health status influences the wage-obesity relationship.

Main Methods:

• Construction of pseudo-panel data for dynamic estimation.
• Application of Grossman's human capital model framework.

Main Results:

• Wages show an increasing effect on obesity status.
• The protective effect of wages reverses when past health status is controlled for.
• Wages positively correlate with total calorie consumption and may indicate asymmetric dietary behavior.

Conclusions:

• Higher wages can be associated with increased obesity, particularly when accounting for prior health.
• Individuals may prioritize reducing unhealthy food intake over increasing healthy intake, leading to compensatory overeating.
• Wage earners might manage nutrient intake ineffectively, resulting in higher overall calorie consumption.