The societal cost of obesity and its behavioral precursors: New estimates of time-use and the cost-effectiveness of a coaching intervention targeted at women in minority communities

摘要

This dissertation examines the economic burden of being overweight and obese, paying particular attention to women as the obesity epidemic disproportionately affects women and cultural minorities. The overarching objective of this dissertation is to take a closer look at the indirect costs of obesity, particularly those pertaining to nonmarket costs, as measured by differences in household productivity and market costs, analyzed by assessing whether there is a correlation between occupational status and body mass index (BMI). The nonmarket costs of obesity are measured through time-use differentials by BMI strata, when controlling for cofactors related to housework. Results indicate that being overweight and obese is associated with less time spent on housework. Results indicate that the burden of obesity affects minority group women exactly the same way it does non-Hispanic White women. After discussing the nonmarket and market indirect costs of obesity, the dissertation focuses on the economic benefits associated with a community-based coaching intervention aimed at increasing nutritious diets and physical activity among women in culturally diverse Utah communities. Little is known about the net economic effects of such targeted community-based interventions, and this dissertation seeks to contribute to the literature on this subject. Results show that the health intervention program is cost effective and that the wellness coaching intervention has helped increase healthful lifestyles, as measured by physical activity.