Approved Research

The Effect of BMI on Labour Market Outcomes Using Genotype of BMI as an Instrumental Variable: A Study Using UK Biobank Data

Lay summary

Obesity is a significant public health concern that is linked to a range of negative health outcomes, including chronic diseases and reduced quality of life. In addition to the health implications, obesity can also have a significant impact on an individual's ability to participate in the labour market. Obese individuals may face discrimination in the workplace, experience reduced productivity, and have increased healthcare costs, which can have far-reaching consequences for their health and well-being.

This research project aims to investigate the causal effects of obesity on employment status, duration in current employment and income. Using a genetic risk score for body mass index (BMI) as an instrumental variable, this study aims to provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between health and labour market outcomes.

One of the key contributions of this study is its use of the UK Biobank, a large-scale population-based cohort study that includes data on a range of health and demographic variables, as well as genetic information. This represents a significant advancement in the field, as previous studies have relied on smaller and less representative samples.

This research project is also innovative in its use of an instrumental variable approach to address potential biases in traditional regression analyses. By using a genetic risk score for BMI as an instrumental variable, this study can provide more reliable estimates of the causal effects of obesity on labour market outcomes, while also controlling for potential confounding factors.

The results of this study have important implications for public health and policy. By providing a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between obesity and labour market outcomes, employers can develop workplace wellness programs that promote healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, and stress management. Such programs can not only improve employee health but also enhance job satisfaction, productivity and retention.

In summary, this research project is the first to use the UK Biobank to investigate the effects of obesity on labour market outcomes, providing a more comprehensive understanding of this important issue. By using an IV approach, this study can provide more reliable estimates of the causal effects of obesity, while also controlling for potential other factors. The length of this project is expected to be 18 months long.