Variable Selection for a Categorical Varying-Coefficient Model with Identifications for Determinants of Body Mass Index

In this paper, we propose a variable selection procedure based on the shrinkage estimation technique for a categorical varying-coefficient model. We apply the method to identify the relevant determinants for body mass index (BMI) from a large amount of potential factors proposed in the multidisciplinary literature, using data from the 2013 National Health Interview Survey in the United States. We quantify the varying impacts of the relevant determinants of BMI across demographic groups.