Obesity, Self-Esteem and Wages

47 Pages Posted: 20 Jun 2009 Last revised: 7 Apr 2023

See all articles by Naci H. Mocan

Naci H. Mocan

Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge - Department of Economics; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

Erdal Tekin

Georgia State University - Department of Economics; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER); IZA Institute of Labor Economics

Date Written: June 2009

Abstract

Obesity is associated with serious health problems, and it can generate adverse economic outcomes. We analyze a nationally-representative sample of young American adults to investigate the interplay between obesity, wages and self-esteem. Wages can be impacted directly by obesity, and they can be influenced by obesity indirectly through the channel of obesity to self-esteem to wages. We find that female wages are directly influenced by body weight, and self-esteem has an impact on wages in case of whites. Being overweight or obese has a negative impact on the self-esteem of females and of black males. The results suggest that obesity has the most significant impact on white women's wages.

Suggested Citation

Mocan, Naci H. and Tekin, Erdal, Obesity, Self-Esteem and Wages (June 2009). NBER Working Paper No. w15101, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1422979

Naci H. Mocan (Contact Author)

Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge - Department of Economics ( email )

Department of economics
Baton Rouge, LA 70803-6308
United States

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

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Erdal Tekin

Georgia State University - Department of Economics ( email )

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United States
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National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

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IZA Institute of Labor Economics

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