Finkelstein, Eric A.

Research Interests:

Dr. Finkelstein’s research focuses on the economic causes and consequences of health behaviors, with a primary emphasis on behaviors related to obesity. He has published over 80 peer-reviewed manuscripts and two books in these areas. His research has been widely cited by governments, media and academics. Dr. Finkelstein’s book, The Fattening of America: How the Economy Makes Us Fat, If It Matters, and What To Do About It and recent publications have motivated considerable debate about appropriate strategies for addressing the obesity epidemic. Dr. Finkelstein frequently consults with industry and government on issues related to obesity and economics.

Selected Publications:

Finkelstein E.A., Brown D.S. A cost-benefit simulation model of coverage for bariatric surgery among full-time employees. The American Journal of Managed Care, 2005 Oct;11(10), 641–646.

Finkelstein E.A., Linnan L.A., Tate D.F., Birken B.E. A pilot study testing the effect of different levels of financial incentives on weight loss among overweight employees. The Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2007 Sep;49(9), 981–989.

Finkelstein E.A., Trogdon J.G. Public health interventions for addressing childhood overweight: analysis of the business case. American Journal of Public Health, 2008 Mar;98(3), 411–415. PMCID: PMC2253570.

Finkelstein E.A., Brown D.S., Brown D.R., Buchner D.M. A randomized study of financial incentives to increase physical activity among sedentary older adults. Preventive Medicine. 2008 Aug;47(2), 182-187.

Trogdon J.G., Finkelstein E.A., Hoerger T.J. Use of Econometric Models to Estimate Expenditure Shares. Health Services Research, 2008 Aug;43(4), 1442-1452. PMCID: PMC2517274.

Brown D.S, Finkelstein E.A., Brown D.R., Buchner D.M, Johnson F.R. Estimating older adults' preferences for walking programs via conjoint analysis. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2009 Mar;36(3), 201-207.e4.

Finkelstein E.A., Trogdon J.G, Cohen  J.W., Dietz W.H. Annual Medical Spending Attributable To Obesity: Payer- And Service-Specific Estimates. Health Affairs (Millwood), 2009 Sep-Oct;28(5), w822-831. 

Epstein L.H., Dearing K.K., Roba L.G. & Finkelstein E.A. The Influence of Taxes and Subsidies on Energy Purchased in an Experimental Purchasing Study. Psychological Science, 2010 Mar 1;21(3), 406-414.

Finkelstein E.A., Zhen C., Nonnemaker J.M., Todd J.E. Impact of Targeted Beverage Taxes on Higher and Lower Income Households.  Archives of Internal Medicine, 2010 Dec 13;170(22), 2028-2034.

Finkelstein E.A., Strombotne K.L., Chan N.L., Krieger J. The Impact of Mandatory Menu Labeling In One Fast Food Chain in King County, Washington. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2011 Feb; 40(2), 122-127.