Health Returns to Birth Weight: Evidence from Developing Countries

Abstract This paper explores the effect of birth weight on a series anthropometric outcomes among children. We use panel individual-level data from 39 developing countries covering years 1999-2018 and attempt to solve Endogeneity using mother fixed twin fixed-effect strategies. The results suggest that improvements in result statistically economically significant children’s outcomes. An additional 100 grams is associated with 0.43 0.25 units increase for age percentile height , respectively. links are stronger low educated mothers poorer households. observed protective infant mortality suggests true effects larger estimated probably understate effects.