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Does a Slump Really Make You Thinner? Finnish Micro-level Evidence 1978-2002

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Author Info
Petri Böckerman (Labour Institute for Economic Research)
Edvard Johansson (The Research Institute of the Finnish Economy)
Satu Helakorpi (National Public Health Institute)
Ritva Prättälä (National Public Health Institute)
Erkki Vartiainen Antti Uutela (National Public Health Institute)

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Abstract

This paper explores the relationship between obesity and economic conditions in Finland, using individual microdata from 1978 to 2002. The results reveal that an improvement in regional economic conditions measured by the employment-to-population ratio produces a decrease in obesity over the period of investigation, other things being equal. This effect arises from the decline in the height-adjusted weight of people who are deeply overweight, (BMI>35). In addition, the effect is strongest for the people in later middle age (aged 45-65). The incidence of obesity is unrelated to the regional growth rate. All in all, the Finnish evidence presented does not support the conclusions reported for the USA, according to which temporary economic slowdowns are good for health. In contrast, at least overweight increases during slumps.

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Paper provided by EconWPA in its series Labor and Demography with number 0505011.

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Length: 25 pages
Date of creation: 13 May 2005
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Handle: RePEc:wpa:wuwpla:0505011

Note: Type of Document - pdf; pages: 25
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Related research
Keywords: overweight; business cycles; health;

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Find related papers by JEL classification:
E32 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Business Fluctuations; Cycles
I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Production
R11 - Urban, Rural, and Regional Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Analysis of Growth, Development, and Changes

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  8. David M. Cutler & Edward L. Glaeser & Jesse M. Shapiro, 2003. "Why Have Americans Become More Obese?," Harvard Institute of Economic Research Working Papers 1994, Harvard - Institute of Economic Research. [Downloadable!]
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    Other versions:
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