The effect of economic growth on obesity for the most obese countries: new evidence from the obesity Kuznets curve

Abstract

In this study, the relationship between obesity and economic growth has been examined within the framework of the obesity Kuznets curve (OKC) for the top 20 obese countries from 1991 to 2016 using bounds test based on ARDL. Multiple models were used in the study, including unemployment variable instead of single model. The bounds test results show that there is a cointegration between the variables in all countries except Bahamas, Fiji, Mexico, New Zealand, Tunisia, and UK. The long-run coefficients show that OKC hypothesis is valid for Oman, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. The main finding of this study is that countries should improve the welfare of individuals to encourage healthy lifestyles and reduce obesity risks.