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Native American Obesity: An Economic Model of the “Thrifty Gene” Theory

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  • Timothy J. Richards
  • Paul M. Patterson

Abstract

Native American obesity is hypothesized to result from three potential causes: (1) a genetic predisposition, or the “thrifty gene,” (2) a rational addiction to nutrients, and (3) dietary adjustment costs. These hypotheses are tested using a two-stage household production approach and scanner data from a panel of Native and non-Native supermarkets. Nutrient intake for both groups is strongly influenced by adjustment costs. Native Americans tend to place higher implicit valuations on protein relative to fats and carbohydrates compared to non-Natives. Consequently, reductions in real carbohydrate prices over time may be a cause of high incidence of Native American obesity. Copyright 2006, Oxford University Press.

Suggested Citation

  • Timothy J. Richards & Paul M. Patterson, 2006. "Native American Obesity: An Economic Model of the “Thrifty Gene” Theory," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 88(3), pages 542-560.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:ajagec:v:88:y:2006:i:3:p:542-560
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1111/j.1467-8276.2006.00878.x
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    Cited by:

    1. Duffy, Patricia A. & Zizza, Claire A. & Zhu, Min & Kinnucan, Henry W. & Tayie, Francis A., 2008. "Food Insecurity, Diet Quality, and Body Weight: Inter-Relationships and the Effect of Smoking and Alcohol Consumption," 2008 Annual Meeting, July 27-29, 2008, Orlando, Florida 6155, American Agricultural Economics Association (New Name 2008: Agricultural and Applied Economics Association).
    2. Tiff-Annie Kenny & Matthew Little & Tad Lemieux & P. Joshua Griffin & Sonia D. Wesche & Yoshitaka Ota & Malek Batal & Hing Man Chan & Melanie Lemire, 2020. "The Retail Food Sector and Indigenous Peoples in High-Income Countries: A Systematic Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(23), pages 1-49, November.
    3. Andres Silva & Senarath Dharmasena, 2016. "Considering seasonal unit root in a demand system: an empirical approach," Empirical Economics, Springer, vol. 51(4), pages 1443-1463, December.
    4. Richards Timothy J. & Mancino Lisa & Nganje William, 2012. "Nutrient Demand in Food Away from Home," Forum for Health Economics & Policy, De Gruyter, vol. 15(2), pages 1-31, April.
    5. Silva, Andres & Dharmasena, Senarath, 2013. "Modeling Seasonal Unit Roots as a Simple Empirical Method to Handle Autocorrelation in Demand Systems: Evidence from UK Expenditure Data," 2013 Annual Meeting, August 4-6, 2013, Washington, D.C. 149928, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.

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