| By: |
Courtemanche, Charles (Georgia State University);
Pinkston, Joshua C. (University of Louisville);
Stewart, Jay (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
| Abstract: |
This paper examines the role physical activity plays in determining body mass
using data from the American Time Use Survey. Our work is the first to address
the measurement error that arises when time use during a single day – rather
than average daily time use over an extended period – is used as an
explanatory variable. We show that failing to account for day-to-day variation
in activities results in the effects of time use on a typical day being
understated. Furthermore, we account for the possibility that physical
activity and body mass are jointly determined by implementing Lewbel's
instrumental variables estimator that exploits first-stage heteroskedasticity
rather than traditional exclusion restrictions. Our results suggest that, on
average, physical activity reduces body mass by less than would be predicted
by simple calorie expenditure-to-weight formulas, implying compensatory
behavior such as increased caloric intake. |
| Keywords: |
obesity, weight, exercise, physical activity, heteroskedasticity |
| JEL: |
I10 C21 |
| Date: |
2020–01 |
| URL: |
http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp12899&r=all |