Economics of Obesity, Energy Intakes, and Physical Activity among Adults in Appalachia, USA

Janaranjana Herath^1, , Cheryl Brown² and David Hill¹

¹Tillman School of Business, University of Mount Olive, Mt Olive, USA

²Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, West Virginia University, Morgantown, USA

Cite this paper

Janaranjana Herath, Cheryl Brown and David Hill. Economics of Obesity, Energy Intakes, and Physical Activity among Adults in Appalachia, USA. American Journal of Public Health Research. 2014; 2(4):176-181. doi: 10.12691/AJPHR-2-4-8

Abstract

Many research outcomes highlight the use of behavioral changes to combat obesity. This study attempts to examine and discuss the potential use of physical activity and less energy intakes in mitigating obesity among the adults in Appalachia, USA. Within the context of utility theory and behavioral aspect of energy balances of an individual, a system of simultaneous equations with three endogenous variables; decision to reduce energy intakes, time engaged in physical activity and Body Mass Index (BMI) were used for the analysis. The results highlight the potentials of weight control by reducing energy intakes and engaging in more physical activity. Importantly, the results emphasize that elderly individuals are less likely to engage in physical activity and reduce energy intakes to control BMI at the same time. The individuals with high BMI values are more likely to reduce energy intakes than engage in physical activity. The male are more likely to engage in physical activity to control obesity than reducing energy intakes while the female are more likely to reduce energy intakes than engaging in physical activity. Higher income generation, job opportunities, service of health professionals, and availability of recreational facilities play a key role in changing behaviors for controlling obesity.

Keywords

Appalachia, obesity, energy intakes, physical activity

Copyright

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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