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From Poverty to Obesity: Exploration of the Food Choice Constraint Model and the Impact of an Energy-Dense Food Tax

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  • Seth S. Martin

Abstract

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States and is disproportionately concentrated in poor populations. This paper explores the role that poverty may play in driving the present obesity epidemic. Current literature supports a food choice constraint model in which one's ability to purchase healthy foods falls with income in a standard budget constraint shift fashion because healthy foods (nonenergydense foods) are relatively costly. This model is reinforced by a biological preference for energy-dense foods. Theoretically, a tax on energy-dense food would reduce the prevalence of obesity, along with obesity-related disease, and therefore should be carefully considered by the American people.

Suggested Citation

  • Seth S. Martin, 2005. "From Poverty to Obesity: Exploration of the Food Choice Constraint Model and the Impact of an Energy-Dense Food Tax," The American Economist, Sage Publications, vol. 49(2), pages 78-86, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:amerec:v:49:y:2005:i:2:p:78-86
    DOI: 10.1177/056943450504900210
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, 1995. "The Healthy Eating index," CNPP Reports 311249, United States Department of Agriculture, Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion.
    2. Bowman, Shanthy A. & Lino, Mark & Gerrior, Shirley A. & Basiotis, Peter P., 1998. "The Healthy Eating Index: 1994-96," CNPP Reports 257277, United States Department of Agriculture, Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion.
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    1. Banterle, Alessandro & Cavaliere, Alessia, 2009. "The social and economic determinants of obesity: an empirical study in Italy," 113th Seminar, September 3-6, 2009, Chania, Crete, Greece 90889, European Association of Agricultural Economists.

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