Dynamics of obesity in Finland
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research is to study empirically the dynamics of obesity in Finland and provide empirical evidence of temporal causality between obesity, health expenditure, unemployment, urbanization, alcohol consumption and calorie intake.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper employs bounds testing cointegration procedure and augmented causality tests.
Findings
The econometric results reveal that the leading cause of obesity is urbanization which is followed by the increasing availability of fast and convenience foods with high energy density, and sedentary jobs, with little incentive to exercise.
Practical implications
The conclusion drawn from this study could be useful for policy makers and practitioners in international health organizations.
Originality/value
The paper provides first time time-series evidence on the dynamics of obesity in Finland, using the framework of cointegration and causality tests.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author is very grateful to the referee of this journal for his/her constructive and insightful comments. The usual disclaimer applies.
Citation
Halicioglu, F. (2013), "Dynamics of obesity in Finland", Journal of Economic Studies, Vol. 40 No. 5, pp. 644-657. https://doi.org/10.1108/JES-01-2012-0007
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2013, Emerald Group Publishing Limited