The importance of parental knowledge: Evidence from weight report cards in Mexico

B-Tier
Journal: Journal of Health Economics
Year: 2014
Volume: 37
Issue: C
Pages: 232-247

Authors (2)

Score contribution per author:

1.005 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

The rise of childhood obesity in less developed countries is often overlooked. We study the impact of body weight report cards in Mexico. The report cards increased parental knowledge and shifted parental attitudes about children's weight. We observe no meaningful changes in parental behaviors or children's body mass index. Interestingly, parents of children in the most obese classrooms were less likely to report that their obese child weighed too much relative to those in the least obese classrooms. As obesity rates increase, reference points for appropriate body weights may rise, making it more difficult to lower obesity rates.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:jhecon:v:37:y:2014:i:c:p:232-247
Journal Field
Health
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-29