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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Obesity and weight control

Environmental Scan of Programs and Policies Addressing Health Disparities Among Rural Children in Poverty
Examines policies and programs aimed to address health disparities of rural children living in poverty and offers recommendations based on the findings. Provides an environmental scan of community- and state-level interventions aimed to address obesity, behavioral health, oral health, prenatal and postnatal care, and respiratory health.
Author(s): Brenda Natzke, Luke Horner
Date: 09/2015
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Mathematica Policy Research
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Promoting Active Living in Rural Communities
A summary of research, observations, policy statements, and lessons learned from rural active living interventions identifying factors within the rural environment that may contribute to higher rates of obesity in rural children and adults.
Author(s): David Hartley, Anush Hansen
Date: 09/2015
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Active Living Research
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Acceptability and Feasibility of Physical Activity Assessment Methods for an Appalachian Population
Examines the reliability, validity, acceptability, and feasibility of three self-reported physical activity assessment methods among children, adolescents, and adults living in rural Appalachia Kentucky. Includes descriptive statistics and data on the self-report physical activity questionnaires, pedometers, and accelerometers.
Author(s): Yelena N. Tarasenko, Britteny M. Howell, Christina R. Studts, Scott J. Strath, Nancy E. Schoenberg
Citation: Journal of Community Health, 40(4), 714-724
Date: 08/2015
Type: Document
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Promoting Weight Maintenance among Overweight and Obese Hispanic Children in a Rural Practice
Explores the development of efficient, effective, and feasible behavioral health programs and interventions primary care providers can use to promote weight maintenance in overweight and obese rural Hispanic children. Includes demographic and clinical characteristics.
Author(s): Deborah Parra-Medina, Cynthia Mojica, Yuanyuan Liang, et al.
Citation: Childhood Obesity, 11(4), 355-363
Date: 08/2015
Type: Document
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Comparisons of Weight Change, Eating Habits and Physical Activity Between Women in Northern Sweden and Rural New York State - Results from a Longitudinal Study
Reports on a study that compares women living in Northern Sweden and rural New York State on changes in weight over a 10 year period. Identifies and compares the eating habits, physical activities, and vulnerability to the negative effects of unhealthy behaviors for both female population groups.
Author(s): Kristina Lindvall, Paul Jenkins, Melissa Scribani, et al.
Citation: Nutrition Journal, 14, 88
Date: 08/2015
Type: Document
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College Students as Facilitators in Reducing Adolescent Obesity Disparity in Southern Appalachia: Team Up for Healthy Living
Describes a peer-based obesity prevention program focused on healthy eating and physical activity for rural Appalachian high school students, with college students serving as facilitators.
Author(s): Deborah Leachman Slawson, William T. Dalton, Taylor McKeehan Dula, et al.
Citation: Contemporary Clinical Trials, 43, 39-52
Date: 07/2015
Type: Document
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Assessing Child Obesity and Physical Activity in a Hard-to-Reach Population in California's Central Valley, 2012-2013
Results of a family-centered program to reduce obesity among Latino children in two rural towns by promoting nutrition education and assessing the quantity and quality of children's physical activity levels. Includes data with breakdowns by weight classification, sex, and average length of time spent daily in moderate to vigorous activity.
Author(s): Sara E. Schaefer, Rosa Camacho-Gomez, Banefsheh Sadeghi, et al.
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 12
Date: 07/2015
Type: Document
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Adaptation of a Culturally Relevant Nutrition and Physical Activity Program for Low-Income, Mexican-Origin Parents With Young Children
Describes a 5-year community-based study on obesity intervention programs in children ages 2-8 in two rural Mexican-American communities in California's Central Valley. Discusses family-centered, culturally adapted programs promoting healthy eating and physical activity for children of rural agricultural workers.
Author(s): Lucia Kaiser, Judith Martinez, Marcel Horowitz, et al.
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 12
Date: 05/2015
Type: Document
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A Longitudinal Study of Structural Risk Factors for Obesity and Diabetes Among American Indian Young Adults, 1994-2008
Investigates possible links between high rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes among American Indian young adults and other risk factors such as poverty, frequent changes of residence, and stress.
Author(s): Tennille L. Marley, Molly W. Metzger
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 12
Date: 05/2015
Type: Document
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Health in Rural Missouri: Childhood Obesity
Provides an overview of childhood obesity in Missouri. Provides county-level data on obesity in children aged 0 to 5. Discusses challenges rural communities face in addressing this issue and potential solutions.
Date: 05/2015
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Missouri Office of Rural Health and Primary Care
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