Obesity, Poverty and Public Policy. Issue 644 (1st February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Griffith, Rachel
• Is Part Of: Economic journal. Volume 132:Issue 644(2022)
• Page Start: 1235
• Page End: 1258
• Publication Date: 2022-02-01
• Subjects: Economics -- Periodicals; Économie politique -- Périodiques; 330.05
• DOI: 10.1093/ej/ueac013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0013-0133

Abstract

Abstract: Obesity rates in the United Kingdom, and around the world, are high and rising. They are higher, and rising faster, amongst people growing up and living in deprivation. These patterns raise potential concerns about both market failures and equity. There is much that policy can do to address these concerns. However, policy can also do harm if it is poorly targeted or has unintended consequences. In order to design effective policies we need an understanding of who we are trying to target, and for what reasons. This paper provides an overview of some of the evidence, and some recent policy initiatives.