Why is the Developed World Obese?

52 Pages Posted: 15 Mar 2007 Last revised: 25 Nov 2022

See all articles by Sara Bleich

Sara Bleich

Harvard Initiative for Global Health

David M. Cutler

Harvard University - Department of Economics; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER); Harvard University - Harvard Kennedy School (HKS)

Christopher J. Murray

Harvard University

Alyce Adams

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care

Multiple version iconThere are 2 versions of this paper

Date Written: March 2007

Abstract

Obesity has risen dramatically in the past few decades. However, the relative contribution of energy intake and energy expenditure to rising obesity is not known. Moreover, the extent to which social and economic factors tip the energy balance is not well understood. In this longitudinal analysis of developed countries, we estimate the relative contribution of increased caloric intake and reduced physical activity to obesity using two methods of energy accounting. Results show that rising obesity is primarily the result of consuming more calories. We estimate multivariate regression models and use simulation analysis to explore technological and sociodemographic determinants of this dietary excess. Results indicate that the increase in caloric intake is associated with technological innovations such as reduced food prices as well as changing sociodemographic factors such as increased urbanization and increased female labor force participation. The study findings offer useful insights to future research concerned with the etiology of obesity and may help inform the development of obesity-related policy. In particular, our results suggest that policies to encourage less caloric intake may help reverse past trends in increased consumption.

Suggested Citation

Bleich, Sara and Cutler, David M. and Murray, Christopher J. and Adams, Alyce, Why is the Developed World Obese? (March 2007). NBER Working Paper No. w12954, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=971589

Sara Bleich

Harvard Initiative for Global Health ( email )

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David M. Cutler (Contact Author)

Harvard University - Department of Economics ( email )

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National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) ( email )

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Harvard University - Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) ( email )

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Christopher J. Murray

Harvard University ( email )

1875 Cambridge Street
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Alyce Adams

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care ( email )

93 Worcester Street
Wellesley, 02481
United States

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