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Measuring Overweight: A Note

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Abstract

The Body Mass Index (BMI) provides a biased assessment of individual weight condition when there are substantial frame and muscle size deviations from the average for a given height. A method for overcoming this problem is presented. It allows an unbiased assessment of the individual level and degree of overweight and of the prevalence and intensity of overweight within the population.

Suggested Citation

  • Levy, Amnon, 2003. "Measuring Overweight: A Note," Economics Working Papers wp03-11, School of Economics, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
  • Handle: RePEc:uow:depec1:wp03-11
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    File URL: http://www.uow.edu.au/content/groups/public/@web/@commerce/@econ/documents/doc/uow012152.pdf
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    1. Darius Lakdawalla & Tomas Philipson, 2002. "The Growth of Obesity and Technological Change: A Theoretical and Empirical Examination," Working Papers 0203, Harris School of Public Policy Studies, University of Chicago.
    2. David M. Cutler & Edward L. Glaeser & Jesse M. Shapiro, 2003. "Why Have Americans Become More Obese?," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 17(3), pages 93-118, Summer.
    3. Tomas J. Philipson & Richard A. Posner, 1999. "The Long-Run Growth in Obesity as a Function of Technological Change," Working Papers 9912, Harris School of Public Policy Studies, University of Chicago.
    4. Levy, Amnon, 2002. "Rational eating: can it lead to overweightness or underweightness?," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 21(5), pages 887-899, September.
    5. Becker, Gary S & Murphy, Kevin M, 1988. "A Theory of Rational Addiction," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 96(4), pages 675-700, August.
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    Keywords

    Body Mass Index; overweight;

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