THE ATLANTIC BULGE: THE ROLE OF LOW-INCOME STATUS IN EXPLAINING REGIONAL VARIATION OF ADOLESCENT WEIGHT IN CANADA

Abstract

Childhood obesity has become an increasingly important public health concern in Canada. This paper provides an econometric analysis of the role of income and other explanatory factors on adolescent overweight and obese statuses within Canada using data from the 2009/2010 Canadian Community Health Survey. Results reveal the importance of low-income status on adolescent body weight. The effect of low income is particularly pronounced after accounting for household size. However, it does not account for much of the additional incidence of overweight and obesity in the Atlantic region of Canada.