Recorded presentation

Eric Finkelstein, PhD, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, 919-541-8074, finkelse@rti.org

Obesity is both a health and economic phenomenon. Economic factors affect our food consumption and physical activity decisions, and ultimately our weight. This presentation will review the published literature that attempts to explain the underlying economic causes behind the obesity epidemic. In addition this presentation will review the economic consequences of obesity, including the increase in medical and other expenditures and the relationship between obesity and wages. Finally the presentation will take an objective look at the government’s role in attempting to reduce obesity rates and discuss which government interventions are likely to be most cost effective.

Learning Objectives:

• To describe the relationship between economics and obesity
• To discuss the role of economics for evaluation obesity prevention programs

Keywords: Economic Analysis, Cost Issues

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation