Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/307214 
Authors: 
Year of Publication: 
2024
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 17390
Publisher: 
Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
I argue that increased consumption of vegetable seed oils high in omega-6 polyunsaturated fats has driven obesity in the United States, a link overlooked in the economics literature. Obesity rates have closely tracked the level of seed oils in the food supply since 1960, while diverging from calorie intake and exercise trends post-2000. I present evidence from biochemistry supporting this hypothesis, demonstrating how seed oils disrupt metabolism, fat storage, and other biochemical processes. I document supporting evidence of these mechanisms in economics research and population health trends. I then develop a conceptual theory of imperfect information to explain consumer overconsumption of these oils, considering the interactions among food and drug companies, scientists, government regulators, and medical providers in shaping dietary information and the overall food supply. Finally, I discuss policy implications, emphasizing the need for a coordinated approach.
Subjects: 
obesity
vegetable oils
seed oils
food policy
nutritional biochemistry
polyunsaturated fatty acids
political economy
JEL: 
I12
Q18
L66
I18
D72
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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