Economics and health: the impact of economic performance on childhood obesity

Abstract

In 2017, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) published a report highlighting Peru’s remarkable economic performance, noting that the country had achieved one of the highest economic growth rates in the region. This progress contributed to a reduction in poverty levels of more than 50% over a ten-year period. However, the literature has also documented that economic growth and increased integration into global markets may facilitate greater access to unhealthy foods, with a consequent negative impact on physical development, particularly among children. In this context, a review of the literature revealed an association between macroeconomic indicators and childhood obesity levels across several developing countries. Therefore, it is relevant to assess whether this relationship is also evident in the Peruvian context.