Environmental Influences on Adolescent Weight Gain: Evidence from a Natural Experiment

Abstract

Objectives. This study investigated the importance of environmental influences in explaining weight gain among freshman college students.

Methods. We exploited a natural experiment that takes place on most college campuses in the US - randomized dormitory assignments. We estimated the effects of being randomly assigned to dormitories with varying physical environment characteristics on weight gain and related behaviors during the freshman year.

Results. We found strong evidence linking weight and related behaviors to individual dormitories, as well as to specific characteristics of the dormitories. On average, female students assigned to dormitories with on-site dining halls gained more weight and exhibited more behaviors consistent with weight gain (eating more and exercising less) during the freshman year as compared to students not assigned to such dormitories. Furthermore, proximity of the dormitory to campus gyms and central campus significantly affected weight management behaviors for both male and female students.

Conclusions. Using a natural experiment to deal with the potential endogeneity of the living environment, this study found that the physical environment affects both students’ weight changes and weight-related behaviors.

Keywords: weight gain, physical environment effects, natural experiment

JEL Classification: I1