Joshua P. Berning

The role of physicians in promoting weight loss

There are numerous costs resulting from being overweight or obese. A relevant question is how to effectively reduce rates of obesity. I examine the effect of advice from a physician or heath care provider to lose weight on individual weight outcomes using survey data. I account for selection bias using a control function approach and rely on data restrictions to control for simultaneity. I find robust results indicating that advice has a significant effect on weight loss. Several studies suggest physicians may not adequately advise their patients about weight loss. The results of this paper highlight an important opportunity for physicians to advise at-risk patients.

The Effect of Sunday Alcohol Sales Bans on Teen Drinking in Georgia

Current Blue laws are primarily concerned with limiting the sale of alcohol on Sunday. This presumably decreases adverse outcomes related to alcohol consumption. We examine whether the repeal of alcohol sales on Sunday in Georgia had an impact on teenage drinking, which is linked to a multitude of risky behaviors. We exploit the heterogeneous repeal across counties and municipalities. To account for potential endogeneity, we employ an instrumental variable approach. Across several model specifications, we find no effect of repeal on underage drinking. Concerns that repeal might contribute to increases in underage drinking appear to be unfounded in this case.

Can providing a morning healthy snack help to reduce hunger during school time? Experimental evidence from an elementary school in Connecticut

While children may be naturally inclined to regulate their hunger, they are also guided by adults and influenced by environmental constraints regarding when and how much to eat. As such, the timing and availability of meals could alter a childs natural eating habits. This could impact the nutritional quality of what they eat as well. We conducted a field experiment with three fourth grade classes at a public elementary school in Eastern Connecticut to analyze if providing a nutritious snack one hour prior to lunch effects a childs level of hunger and consequently their lunch-time consumption. We found students shift their caloric and nutrient intake from lunch to snack time. In addition, we found a significant reduction in student hunger. Our results highlight the importance in considering the timing and quality of meals provided during school time. In our sample, current snack and lunch schedule may not be optimal and changing it can have an impact on the wellbeing of students. Providing healthful options for snack could be an effective way to improve student diets while preserving their ability to make their own choices.