Weight gains from trade in foods: Evidence from Mexico

A-Tier
Journal: Journal of International Economics
Year: 2020
Volume: 122
Issue: C

Score contribution per author:

1.341 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

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

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate the effects of trade in foods on obesity in Mexico. To do so, we match data on Mexican food imports from the U.S. with anthropometric and food expenditure data. Our findings suggest that exposure to food imports from the U.S. can explain up to 20% of the rise in obesity prevalence among Mexican women between 1988 and 2012. Pro-obesity effects are driven by areas more exposed to unhealthy food imports. We also find evidence in favour of a price mechanism. By linking trade flows to obesity, the paper sheds light on an important channel through which globalisation may affect health.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:inecon:v:122:y:2020:i:c:s0022199618302630
Journal Field
International
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-25