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The Economics of Obesity-Related Mortality Among High Income Countries

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  • Huffman, Wallace E.
  • Huffman, Sonya K
  • Tegene, Abebayehu
  • Rickertsen, Kyrre

Abstract

Health production and supply functions based on models for productive households are established. Data for 18 high income countries over 1971-2001 are used in the empirical analysis. In the health production function, mortality from cardiovascular diseases and diabetes is positively related to inputs of calories and sweeteners but not to input of fat or to national health care. In the health supply function, a high real price of food, real wage rate and non-labor income, a modest level of socialized medicine, and a low labor force participation rate decrease mortality. A cheap food policy erodes gains from reduced smoking and better treatments for high cholesterol levels and hypertension that have occurred over the last three decades.

Suggested Citation

  • Huffman, Wallace E. & Huffman, Sonya K & Tegene, Abebayehu & Rickertsen, Kyrre, 2006. "The Economics of Obesity-Related Mortality Among High Income Countries," ISU General Staff Papers 200601010800001222, Iowa State University, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:isu:genstf:200601010800001222
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    Cited by:

    1. Chen, Yanni, 2009. "An economic analysis of decisions on physical activity and energy imbalance: cross-sectional evidence from a panel of middle-aged adults," ISU General Staff Papers 200901010800001747, Iowa State University, Department of Economics.
    2. Sonya Kostova Huffman, 2014. "BMI Changes in Russian Adults: The Role of Health Related Behaviors and Spousal Relationships," Research in Applied Economics, Macrothink Institute, vol. 6(3), pages 129-142, September.
    3. Chen, Yanni & Huffman, Wallace E., 2009. "An Economic Analysis of the Impact of Food Prices and Other Factors on Adult Lifestyles: Choices of Physical Activity and Healthy Weight," 2009 Annual Meeting, July 26-28, 2009, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 49291, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.
    4. Miller, J. Corey & Coble, Keith H., 2008. "An International Comparison of the Effects of Government Agricultural Support on Food Budget Shares," Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Cambridge University Press, vol. 40(2), pages 551-558, August.
    5. Herzfeld, Thomas & Huffman, Sonya & Rizov, Marian, 2014. "The dynamics of food, alcohol and cigarette consumption in Russia during transition," Economics & Human Biology, Elsevier, vol. 13(C), pages 128-143.
    6. Herzfeld, Thomas & Huffman, Sonya Kostova & Oskam, Arie J. & Rizov, Marian, 2009. "Changes in Food, Alcohol and Cigarettes Consumption during Transition: Evidence from Russia," 2009 Conference, August 16-22, 2009, Beijing, China 49941, International Association of Agricultural Economists.
    7. Herzfeld, Thomas & Huffman, Sonya K. & Rizov, Marian, 2009. "The Dynamics of the Russian Lifestyle During Transition: Changes in Food, Alcohol and Cigarette Consumption," Staff General Research Papers Archive 13116, Iowa State University, Department of Economics.
    8. Huang, Ying, 2012. "an econometric study of the impact of economic variables on adult obesity and food assistance program participation in the NLSY panel," ISU General Staff Papers 201201010800003717, Iowa State University, Department of Economics.
    9. repec:lic:licosd:18507 is not listed on IDEAS
    10. Huffman, Sonya K. & Rizov, Marian, 2007. "Determinants of obesity in transition economies: The case of Russia," Economics & Human Biology, Elsevier, vol. 5(3), pages 379-391, December.

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