Peer effects in adolescent overweight

Citation

Trogdon, J.; G; Nonnemaker, J.; Pais; & J (2008). Peer effects in adolescent overweight. Journal of Health Economics. vol. 27 (5) pp. 1388-1399

Abstract

This study is the first to estimate peer effects for adolescent weight. We use data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) and define peer groups using nominated friends within schools. Endogenous peer groups are accounted for using a combination of school fixed effects, instrumental variables, and alternative definitions of peers (i.e., grade-level peers). Mean peer weight is correlated with adolescent weight, even after controlling endogenous peer groups. The impact of peer weight is larger among females and adolescents with high body mass index. The results are consistent with social multipliers for adolescent overweight policies.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.jhealeco.2008.05.003

Keyword(s)

Weight

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

Journal of Health Economics

Author(s)

Trogdon, J.
G
Nonnemaker, J.
Pais
J

Year Published

2008

Volume Number

27

Issue Number

5

Pages

1388-1399

DOI

10.1016/j.jhealeco.2008.05.003

Reference ID

8876