Working Paper: NBER ID: w11308
Authors: Angus Deaton
Abstract: In this essay, I review Robert Fogel's The Escape from Hunger and Premature Death, 1700-2100 which is concerned with the past, present, and future of human health. Fogel's work places great emphasis on nutrition, not only for the history of health, but for explaining aspects of current health, not only in comparing poor and rich countries, but in thinking about rich countries now and in the future. I discuss Fogel's analysis alongside alternative interpretations that place greater emphasis on the historical role of public health, and on the current and future role of improvements in medical technology.
Keywords: Nutrition; Health; Economic Growth; Public Health; Mortality
JEL Codes: I1; N3
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| Improved nutrition (I15) | Increased life expectancy (J17) |
| Improved nutrition (I15) | Stronger physical health (I19) |
| Stronger physical health (I19) | Increased productivity (O49) |
| Increased productivity (O49) | Economic growth (O49) |
| Malnutrition (I32) | Compromised immune system (I12) |
| Compromised immune system (I12) | Higher susceptibility to diseases (I12) |
| Public health measures (clean water and sanitation) (I14) | Reduced mortality rates (I14) |
| Nutritional deficits (I12) | Significant impediment to health (I12) |