Conference on economic aspects of obesity

The epidemic of obesity has economic implications for both individuals and society on the whole. These harms range from discrimination and the victimization of obese people, to damaging health effects and lost productivity, to economic disparities associated with overweight. It is time to clarify and draw together the body of economic research on this topic, which has increased greatly in the last decade. This grant supports a conference that will bring together leading researchers in the field and provide an opportunity to highlight new developments. The two-day conference will be hosted by the National Bureau of Economic Research at Louisiana State University. RWJF funds will be used to cover meeting costs, travel expenses, and honoraria for the commissioned papers. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana will cover housing and meals for the conference. Invitations will be extended to RWJF staff and leaders of the Foundation's research initiatives. Deliverables will be: (1) the conference; (2) between 12 and 15 analytic papers discussing policy options to address the problem; (3) a proceedings volume published by the University of Chicago Press; (4) estimates of the economic effects of alternative policies to prevent obesity. The conference will shed light on the policy and environmental changes that are most effective for reversing the trend in childhood obesity prevalence.

Grant Details

Amount Awarded $148,416.00

Awarded on: 11/20/2007

Time frame: 12/15/2007 - 12/14/2010

Grant Number: 62026