Journal Article
Immigration, obesity and labor market outcomes in the UK
Publication details
Summary
We estimate the dual effects of immigration and obesity on labor market
outcomes in the UK using the British Household Panel Survey. We find
support for the 'healthy immigrant hypothesis' and evidence that
immigrants’ weights increase with time in the UK. While overweight and
obese men enjoy a wage premium, overweight and obese immigrant men face a
wage penalty and are less likely to work in a white collar job.
Overweight immigrant women are substantially more likely to suffer work
limitations. While data limitations preclude efforts to address
endogeneity, these associations suggest that immigrants have not been
spared from the obesity epidemic.
Notes
Open Access journal