Supplemental nutrition assistance program and body weight outcomes: The role of economic contextual factors

摘要: We explored the extent to which economic contextual factors moderated association of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation with body mass index (BMI) among low-income adults whose family income (adjusted for size) is less than 130% federal poverty guideline. drew on individual-level data from Panel Study Income Dynamics in United States, including three waves 1999, 2001, and 2003. Economic were drawn American Chamber Commerce Researchers Association food prices Dun & Bradstreet outlet measures. In addition cross-sectional estimation, a longitudinal individual fixed effects model was used control permanent unobserved heterogeneity. Our study found statistically significant joint moderating effect both women (BMI only) men (both BMI obesity). For men, SNAP participants' significantly lower if they faced increased numbers available supermarkets/grocery stores model. A simulated 20% reduction price fruits vegetables resulted larger decrease participants non-participants whereas increase availability supermarkets grocery difference change by but not men. Policies related factors, such as subsidies or those that would improve access may enhance relationship between outcomes assistance program participants.