Fat and out in Salerno and its province: Adolescent obesity and early school leaving in Southern Italy

We examine the determinants of obesity and its role in influencing early school leaving amongst adolescents in the city of Salerno and its province in Southern Italy. A human capital investment model is employed and this provides a framework within which to analyse the interrelated 'decisions' regarding schooling and overeating, taking into account the importance of time preference and the differential effects of adolescent obesity for males and females. We find that: (a) there is a strong and robust positive association between obesity and early school leaving; (b) there is evidence to support the notion that this association is the consequence of a causal relation running from obesity to school leaving; and, (c) there are significant gender differences in the nature of this relationship. These findings have important policy implications. In particular: (i) policies aimed at reducing obesity - such as the encouragement of sporting activity or the encouragement of healthier eating habits at school - may also have other beneficial effects through a reduction in early school leaving rates; and, (ii) the significant differences identified between male and female adolescents suggest that the adoption of some gender-specific policy measures would be useful.