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The Effects of Food Stamps on Weight Gained by Expectant Mothers

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  • Charles L. Baum II

Abstract

With over 66 % of Americans overweight, expectant mothers are unusual because they are encouraged to gain weight while pregnant. Food stamp receipt (FSR) may facilitate recommended weight gain for pregnant women by providing additional resources for food and nutrition. I examine the effects of FSR on the amount of weight gained by low-income expectant mothers using NLSY79 data. Results indicate FSR decreases the probability gaining an insufficient amount of weight but does not exacerbate the probability of gaining too much weight. Examining the effects of FSR on pregnancy weight gain is important because low birth weight is more likely when expectant mothers gain an insufficient amount of weight.

Suggested Citation

  • Charles L. Baum II, 2010. "The Effects of Food Stamps on Weight Gained by Expectant Mothers," Working Papers 201002, Middle Tennessee State University, Department of Economics and Finance.
    • Handle: RePEc:mts:wpaper:201002
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    File URL: http://capone.mtsu.edu/berc/working/Baum2.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Food stamps; weight; weight gain;

    JEL classification:

    • J1 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics

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