Abstract
The aim of this article is to analyze the impact of adult obesity for men and women on the Brazilian labor market as well as on wage income. The theoretical basis corresponds to the Grossman model and the microdata from the National Health Survey (PNS) of 2013 are used. As a methodology, the Probit and Heckit models and the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) method are used. A negative association between obesity and participation in the labor market and in wages was evidenced only for women. Considering the results of the PSM, there was confirmation that being obese negatively impacts women’s participation in this market and reaching higher earnings; whereas for men, this effect is positive. More effective actions to prevent adult obesity and reduce gender inequality must be adopted, since this chronic disease generates socioeconomic burdens, especially for female workers.
Keywords
Health economics; Overweight; Wage income