The literature on the economic causes of and policy responses to obesity1

Authors: Skinner, Tom¹; Miller, Howard¹; Bryant, Chris¹

Source: Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section C - Economy, Volume 2, Numbers 3-4, September 2005 , pp. 128-137(10)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

This paper discusses economic perspectives on obesity, summarizes the economic literature and outlines potential policy responses. The paper provides the most up-to-date review of the literature. The literature illustrates the potential role of informational market failures and the dichotomy between the private and social costs of obesity. Market failures can act to provide a rationale for government intervention. Suggested factors for explaining the increase in the prevalence of obesity are discussed as relating to imperfect information, lifestyle changes and technology changes. Some of the potential remedial policies that are being debated in the literature include applying Pigouvian taxes, labelling regulation and advertising limitations.

Keywords: Obesity; market failure; childhood; welfare; labelling

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1080/16507540500534788

Affiliations: 1: Food Standards Agency, London, UK

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