However, note the researchers, individuals in technologically advanced countries are not likely to balloon unchecked. Modeling the relationship between income and weight, they show how obesity tends to fall as income rises in rich countries and rise as income rises in poor countries. By contrast, in poorer, less developed countries where food prices are high, obesity becomes a physical symbol of wealth. Take for example, Philipson says, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Healthy People 2010 campaign, which aims in part to reduce obesity. The problem, says Philipson, is that the right incentives are not in place.
Most people know there are adverse consequences to being overweight.
Knowing the exact details of their risks probably won't change their behavior because they've already taken the risks into account and accepted the tradeoffs on an individual level. Instead, Philipson suggests, if the government really wanted to influence people's weight, it would provide subsidies for physical activity or tax calorie intake. Philipson plans to continue studying how technology has contributed to obesity.