The effect of urbanization on fast-food preferences and body mass index: evidence from China

Hui Piao and Jun Sung Kim

Applied Economics Letters, 2025, vol. 32, issue 12, 1716-1720

Abstract: We investigate the impact of urbanization on body mass index, focusing on the mediating role of fast-food preferences to address concerns surrounding the consequences of rapid urbanization on dietary habits. Using the China Health and Nutrition Survey and the panel fixed-effects estimation method, we find that, as communities become more urbanized, individuals’ fast-food preferences and body mass index increase. We show a significant mediating role of fast-food preferences in the effect of urbanization on body mass index for men but not for women. Our findings highlight the importance of targeted health policies to men in reducing the adverse impacts of urbanization.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1080/13504851.2024.2313556

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