We use a multilevel multinomial econometric approach to model the categories of body mass index as functions of both lifestyle components and external environment. Among state level variables, higher per-capita sales of restaurants and higher Gini coefficient are associated with higher rates of...

We explore the underlying causes and implications of the previously documented unhealthy Body Mass Index (BMI) assimilation of U.S. immigrants to native levels. Diet - measured by fat, carbohydrate, protein, and caloric intake - and exercise have mixed success in explaining the BMI convergence...

Since the late 1980s, the United States has witnessed a dramatic increase in average BMI levels and the proportion of individuals categorized as obese. Obesity is a major risk factor for a variety of illnesses, and an increase in obesity is, therefore, implicated in increased health-care costs...

The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated policies may impact body weight in a variety of ways. Using data from the 2018-2020 waves of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), we estimate the COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on Body Mass Index and the probability of obesity for adults...

This paper calls into question the currently most influential model of international trade. An empirical finding by Trefler (2004, AER) and others that industrial productivity increases more strongly in liberalized industries than in non-liberalized industries has been widely accepted as...

When traditional measures for health and economic welfare are scarce or unreliable, height and the body mass index (BMI) are now well-accepted measures that reflect net nutrition during economic development. To date, there is no study that compares 19th century BMIs of immigrants and US natives....