The effect of fast-food restaurants on childhood obesity: a school level analysis

Pedro A Alviola 4th; Rodolfo M Nayga Jr; Michael R Thomsen; Diana Danforth; James Smartt

doi:10.1016/j.ehb.2013.05.001

The effect of fast-food restaurants on childhood obesity: a school level analysis

Econ Hum Biol. 2014 Jan:12:110-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ehb.2013.05.001. Epub 2013 May 22.

Authors

Pedro A Alviola 4th¹, Rodolfo M Nayga Jr², Michael R Thomsen³, Diana Danforth³, James Smartt³

Affiliations

¹ University of the Philippines Mindanao, Philippines; University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, United States. Electronic address: palviola@uark.edu.
² University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, United States; Norwegian Agricultural Economics Research Institute, Norway; Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
³ University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, United States.

PMID: 23827821
DOI: 10.1016/j.ehb.2013.05.001

Abstract

We analyze, using an instrumental variable approach, the effect of the number of fast-food restaurants on school level obesity rates in Arkansas. Using distance to the nearest major highway as an instrument, our results suggest that exposure to fast-food restaurants can impact weight outcomes. Specifically, we find that the number of fast-food restaurants within a mile from the school can significantly affect school level obesity rates.

Keywords: Childhood obesity; Fast-food restaurants; I10; I18; Instrumental variables; Schools.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Arkansas / epidemiology
Child
Child, Preschool
Fast Foods / adverse effects*
Fast Foods / supply & distribution
Female
Humans
Male
Models, Statistical
Pediatric Obesity / complications
Pediatric Obesity / epidemiology
Pediatric Obesity / etiology*
Restaurants / classification*
Restaurants / statistics & numerical data
Schools