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Weight gains from trade in foods: Evidence from Mexico

Author

Listed:
  • Osea Giuntella
  • Matthias Rieger
  • Lorenzo Rotunno

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate the effects of trade in foods on obesity in Mexico. To do so, we match data on Mexican food imports from the U.S. with anthropometric and food expenditure data. Our findings suggest that exposure to food imports from the U.S. explains about ten percent of the rise in obesity prevalence among Mexican women between 1988 and 2012. Pro-obesity effects are driven by areas more exposed to unhealthy food imports. We also find evidence in favour of a price mechanism. By linking trade flows to obesity, the paper sheds light on an important channel through which globalisation may affect health.

Suggested Citation

  • Osea Giuntella & Matthias Rieger & Lorenzo Rotunno, 2018. "Weight gains from trade in foods: Evidence from Mexico," NBER Working Papers 24942, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:24942
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    JEL classification:

    • F60 - International Economics - - Economic Impacts of Globalization - - - General
    • F61 - International Economics - - Economic Impacts of Globalization - - - Microeconomic Impacts
    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior

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