The Labor Force Participation Effect of Old-Age Obesity

Bo Macinnis, University of Michigan

Old-age obesity is prevalent and increasing; there is no systematic research on the economic well-being generally, and employment outcome particularly, of obese elders, a vulnerable subpopulation that is growing rapidly. I propose to analyze the impact of obesity on employment among white men aged 70-79 using data from the Health and Retirement Study with panel econometrics allowing for individual fixed-effects and endogeneity of obesity. I explore potential pathways through which the obesity-work relationship operates. This research will inform efforts to improve the well-being of obese elders, and the impact of the rising elderly obesity trend on Social Security and Medicare funds