Study Suggests Food Stamp Program May Play a Role in Obesity

A recent study has reportedly claimed that the average American woman enrolled in the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is 5.8 pounds heavier than someone of the same socioeconomic background who does not receive food stamps. Jay L. Zagorsky, et al., “Does the U.S. Food Stamp Program Contribute to Adult Weight Gain?”, Economics & Human Biology (July 2009). According to the researchers, “this association does not prove that the Food Stamp Program causes weight gain,” but may show that increased income, either from cash or food stamp coupons, increases food spending in general. “However, the estimates indicate that food demand is inelastic and increased food spending does not necessarily mean increased caloric intake. Even so, the program could still contribute to weight gain since people tend to overconsume products that are free,” stated the study authors. Noting that the average recipient receives approximately $80 per month in food stamp coupons, the authors recommended that a course in nutrition should be a requirement. They also suggested that price changes to low-calorie and calorie-dense foods could be helpful. See FoodNavigator-USA.com, August 11, 2009.