Estimating the Effects of Wages on Obesity

Objectives: To estimate the effects of wages on obesity and body mass. Methods: Data on household heads, aged 20 to 65 years, with full-time jobs, were drawn from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics for 2003 to 2007. The Panel Study of Income Dynamics is a nationally representative sample. Instrument...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of occupational and environmental medicine 2010-05, Vol.52 (5), p.495-500
Main Authors: Kim, DaeHwan, Leigh, John Paul
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Biological and medical sciences
Body mass index
Databases, Factual
Effects
Female
Humans
Linear Models
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Medical sciences
Metabolic diseases
Middle Aged
Obesity
Obesity - economics
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Salaries and Fringe Benefits
United States
Wages & salaries
Young Adult
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Summary:Objectives: To estimate the effects of wages on obesity and body mass. Methods: Data on household heads, aged 20 to 65 years, with full-time jobs, were drawn from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics for 2003 to 2007. The Panel Study of Income Dynamics is a nationally representative sample. Instrumental variables (IV) for wages were created using knowledge of computer software and state legal minimum wages. Least squares (linear regression) with corrected standard errors were used to estimate the equations. Results: Statistical tests revealed both instruments were strong and tests for over-identifying restrictions were favorable. Wages were found to be predictive (P < 0.05) of obesity and body mass in regressions both before and after applying IVs. Coefficient estimates suggested stronger effects in the IV models. Conclusion: Results are consistent with the hypothesis that low wages increase obesity prevalence and body mass.
ISSN:1076-2752
1536-5948
DOI:10.1097/JOM.0b013e3181dbc867