Healthy habits and the labor market: a quantile analysis for Brazil

This study investigates the effects of healthy behaviors on labor income in Brazil. While existing specialized literature generally points to a positive association between such behaviors and wages, this relationship remains underexplored in developing countries. Using microdata from the 2019 National Health Survey (PNS), conducted by IBGE, we constructed indicator variables for health-related behaviors and estimated Mincerian wage equations. The analysis uses mean and quantile regressions, with correction for sample selection bias due to labor market participation. Contrary to conventional findings, results indicate a negative association between physical activity and labor income across the income distribution. This result is explained by the definition of physical activity adopted in the study, broadened to include not only leisure activities, but also work related physical activities, commuting, and household chores — more frequent among lower-income individuals. Furthermore, engagement in preventive health behaviors is negatively associated with earnings, particularly among women, suggesting complex interactions between health investment, time constraints, and labor market outcomes.