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Body mass index as a standard of living measure: a different interpretation for the case of Colombia

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  • Luis Fernando Gamboa
  • Nohora Y. Forero Ramírez

Abstract

We analyze the Body Mass Index (BMI) in a distinct way of its traditional use and it lets us use it as a proxy of standard of living for the case of Colombia. Our approach is focused on studying how far the people are from the normal range and not on the score of each one and this lets us to treat equally extreme cases as severe thinness and obesity. We use a probabilistic model (Ordered Probit) that evaluates the probability of being within the normal range or another level. We found that socioeconomic variables have a significant effect on the dependent variable and that there are no linear effects. Besides, people with difficulties for walking and adults have less probability of having a normal BMI.

Suggested Citation

  • Luis Fernando Gamboa & Nohora Y. Forero Ramírez, 2009. "Body mass index as a standard of living measure: a different interpretation for the case of Colombia," Documentos de Trabajo 5218, Universidad del Rosario.
    • Handle: RePEc:col:000092:005218
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    File URL: http://repository.urosario.edu.co/bitstream/handle/10336/10987/5218.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Anaïs Falk & Catherine Macombe & Denis Loeillet & Jean-Marc Deboin, 2022. "How Can a Company Assess Social Needs to Reduce Poverty among Its Workers? The Case of the Export Banana Industries," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-21, August.
    2. Karina Acosta, 2012. "La obesidad y su concentración según nivel socioeconómico en Colombia," Revista de Economía del Rosario, Universidad del Rosario, July.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Standard of Living; Body Mass Index; Overweight;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C35 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Discrete Regression and Qualitative Choice Models; Discrete Regressors; Proportions
    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • I19 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Other

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