Why Have Americans Become More Obese?

David Cutler, Edward Glaeser and Jesse Shapiro

No 9446, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

Abstract: Americans have become considerably more obese over the past 25 years. This increase is primarily the result of consuming more calories. The increase in food consumption is itself the result of technological innovations which made it possible for food to be mass prepared far from the point of consumption, and consumed with lower time costs of preparation and cleaning. Price changes are normally beneficial, but may not be if people have self-control problems. This applies to some population.

JEL-codes: I1 O3 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2003-01
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-hea
Note: AG CH EH
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (676)

Published as Cutler, David M., Edward L. Glaeser and Jesse M. Shapiro. "Why Have Americans Become More Obese?," Journal of Economic Perspectives, 2003, v17(3,Summer), 93-118.

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Journal Article: Why Have Americans Become More Obese? (2003)
Working Paper: Why Have Americans Become More Obese? (2003)
Working Paper: Why Have Americans Become More Obese (2003)
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