Testing obesity Kuznets curve for Türkiye

Abstract

Aim: This paper tests for the existence of Obesity Kuznets Curve (OKC); that is, an inverse U-shape pattern between income and obesity (as measured by Body Mass Index). Methods: We employ linear probability model and logistic regression using cross-sectional data obtained from “2019 Türkiye Health Research” provided by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK). Results: Our findings reveal that OKC hypothesis holds for Türkiye such that the likelihood of obesity first increases as income rises and after reaching a maximum point, it starts to decrease. Furthermore, the study reveals that obesity differs according to gender, so women are more likely to be obese than men. Our empirical study also reveals that marriage, education, age, and physical activity are closely associated with the likelihood of being obese in Türkiye. Conlusions: There is a non-linear relationship between income and obesity. The study also reveals that obesity differs according to gender and marriage, education, age, and physical activity are closely associated with the likelihood of being obese in Türkiye. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd