Morbid obesity and the transition from welfare to work

摘要: This paper utilizes a rich longitudinal data set—the Women's Employment Study (WES)—to investigate whether obesity, which is common among women of low socioeconomic status, barrier to employment and earnings for current former welfare recipients. We find that recipients who are both White morbidly obese have been less successful in transitioning from work. These likely work at any survey wave, spend greater percentage months between waves receiving cash welfare, lower monthly each wave. The magnitude the difference labor market outcomes those heavy some cases similar differences these high school dropouts graduates. In contrast, we no such associated with morbid obesity African-American respondents. This documents relationship weight first time population. addition, it investigates correlation females due unobserved heterogeneity. after controlling individual fixed effects, point estimate falls considerably longer statistically significant. results consistent heterogeneity causing outcomes. Findings respondent's mental physical health. © 2005 by Association Public Policy Analysis Management