Disentangling the Drivers of Obesity: An Analytical Framework Based on Socioeconomic and Intrapersonal Factors

Wisdom Dogbe; Melania Salazar-Ordóñez; Jose M Gil

doi:10.3389/fnut.2021.585318

Disentangling the Drivers of Obesity: An Analytical Framework Based on Socioeconomic and Intrapersonal Factors

Front Nutr. 2021 Mar 3:8:585318. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2021.585318. eCollection 2021.

Authors

Wisdom Dogbe¹, Melania Salazar-Ordóñez², Jose M Gil³

Affiliations

¹ Rowett Institute, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom.
² Universidad de Córdoba, WEARE-Water, Environmental and Agricultural Resources Economics, Córdoba, Spain.
³ Center for Agro-Food Economics and Development (CREDA-UPC-IRTA), University Polytechnic of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain.

Abstract

Obesity is increasing at exponential rates in developed economies despite the numerous policy interventions being implemented. The causes of obesity are multifactorial demanding a holistic review for targeted intervention. This study, therefore, provides a holistic overview of multiple factors affecting body weights i.e., socioeconomic and intrapersonal factors. We used data from a household and experimental survey carried out in Spain (Barcelona) in 2014. A non-linear path analysis was used considering the non-linear relationships that might exist between these factors and body weight. Results confirm non-linear relationships between some socioeconomic, intrapersonal factors and body weight. Among the intrapersonal factors, obesity is directly influenced by volitional control of obesity, attitude toward obese persons, holding a correct body image and body image dissatisfaction. Socioeconomic factors that have significant influence on obesity were age, education and gender. Risk attitudes do not correlate with obesity.

Keywords: attitude toward obesity; beliefs toward obesity; body mass index; economic and sociodemographic features; non-linear robust path analysis; risk and loss aversion.