Obesity Kuznets curve hypothesis and global warming: a robust estimation under cross-section dependence

Obesity is a worldwide concern as it leads to adverse effects on human health. This study uses a panel of 165 countries and annual data from 2000 to 2014 to examine the obesity Kuznets curve (OKC) hypothesis. By using tests and estimators that are robust to cross-section dependence (CSD), our results support the OKC hypothesis. This indicates that obesity increases at the initial stage of economic development and eventually would decrease once the threshold is reached. In addition, we find that the role of global warming on obesity is not significant. Food production is found to be a contributing factor to obesity. Besides, one-way and two-way causalities are identified between the variables. This study provides important insights particularly about the relationship between (i) economic growth and obesity and (ii) environmental degradation and obesity. Implication of the results and policy recommendations are also provided to policymakers and health personnel in finding solutions to the obesity epidemic around the world.