The Rise in Obesity Across the Atlantic: An economic perspective

TitleThe Rise in Obesity Across the Atlantic: An economic perspective
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2009
AuthorsBrunello, G, Michaud, P-C, Sanz-de-Galdeano, A
JournalEconomic Policy
Volume59
Pagination551-596
KeywordsCross-National, Health Conditions and Status, Medicare/Medicaid/Health Insurance, Methodology, Public Policy
Abstract

We provide comparable evidence on the patterns and trends in obesity across the Atlantic and analyse whether there are economic rationales for public intervention to control obesity. We take into account equity issues as well as efficiency considerations, which are organized around three categories of market failures: productive inefficiencies, lack of information or rationality and health insurance externalities. We also calculate the long term financial consequences of current US and European obesity trends, and conclude with a brief review of current policies to reduce and prevent excessive body weight both in Europe and the US.

URLhttps://www.iza.org/publications/dp/3529/the-rise-in-obesity-across-the-atlantic-an-economic-perspective
Endnote Keywords

cross-national comparison/Obesity/Public Policy/market failures/health Insurance

Endnote ID

23730

Citation Key7411