an economic analysis of adult obesity results from the behavioral risk factor surveillance system shin yi chou new jersey institute technology and national bureau research michael grossman city university york graduate center henry saffer kean july 2001 this paper will be presented at third international health economics association conference in england 23 25 i introduction since late 1970s number obese adults united states has grown by over 50 percent examines factors that may responsible for rapidly increasing prevalence rate we focus on societal forces which alter cost nutritional leisure time choices made individuals specifically consider effect changes relative prices are beyond individual s control these principal hypothesis to tested is increase result several have altered lifestyle americans one important change value particularly women reflected growth
