Full Citation

Title: The relationship between 19th century BMIs and family size: Economies of scale and positive externalities

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2015

ISBN:

ISSN:

DOI: 10.1016/J.JCHB.2014.09.006

NSFID:

PMCID:

PMID:

Abstract: The use of body mass index values (BMI) to measure living standards is now a well-accepted method in economics. Nevertheless, a neglected area in historical studies is the relationship between 19th century BMI and family size, and this relationship is documented here to be positive. Material inequality and BMI are the subject of considerable debate, and there was a positive relationship between BMI and wealth and an inverse relationship with inequality. After controlling for family size and wealth, BMI values were related with occupations, and farmers and laborers had greater BMI values than workers in other occupations.

Url: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0018442X1400119X

User Submitted?: No

Authors: Carson, Scott Alan

Periodical (Full): HOMO

Issue: 2

Volume: 66

Pages: 165-175

Data Collections: IPUMS USA

Topics: Health, Other, Population Health and Health Systems

Countries: