Rural Obesity and Weight Control – Resources

Weight Status Underestimation and Weight Management Goals among Adults in the Rural South of the United States
Analyzes weight status, underestimation, and management goals among residents in rural South Carolina. Analyzes survey data among 185 respondents according to accuracy of weight reporting, weight loss/management goals, and related demographic factors. Discusses accuracy of weight perceptions among residents and the impact on weight management in the rural South.
Author(s): Haakim A. Waraich, Michael D. Wirth, Serge Wandji, Janessa M. Graves, Demetrius A. Abshire
Citation: Journal of Rural Health
Date: 10/2024
Type: Document
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Association Between Obesogenic Environments and Childhood Overweight/Obesity Across the United States: Differences by Rurality
Examines the impact of environmental factors on childhood obesity in rural areas. Utilizes the Childhood Obesogenic Environment Index (COEI) to analyze statistical differences in rural versus urban counties in the U.S. Discusses the relationship of COEI variables and childhood overweight/obesity rates.
Author(s): Kara Davis, Demetrius A. Abshire, Courtney Monroe, Caroline Rudisill, Andrew T. Kaczynski
Citation: Journal of Rural Health
Date: 10/2024
Type: Document
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Feasibility and Acceptability Pilot Study of an Online Weight Loss Program in Rural, Underserved Communities
Examines the feasibility and impact of implementing an online weight loss program in rural, underserved communities. Follows results of the 1-year intervention, analyzing 16 recruited individuals and their ability to attend nutrition and lifestyle education sessions, complete diet and weight monitoring, and achieve weight loss.
Author(s): Ashleigh Oliveira, Nouf Alfouzan, Jin Yu, et al.
Citation: Peer J Life and Environment, 12
Date: 10/2024
Type: Document
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The State of Obesity 2024: Better Policies for a Healthier America
Presents data on adult and childhood obesity rates, with breakdowns by state and select demographic characteristics. Examines current and emerging policies, provides funding opportunities, and outlines recommended policy actions. Includes a special feature about food environments and systems.
Author(s): Molly Warren, Madison West
Date: 09/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Trust for America's Health
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Examining Rurality and Social Determinants of Health among Women with GDM: A 15-Year Comprehensive Population Analysis
Examines maternal demographic characteristics, including rurality, and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) development over time. Utilizes birth record vital statistics of 589,605 women with live births in Kansas from 2005 to 2019. Compares rural and urban trends in maternal overweight, obesity, and GDM.
Author(s): Umama Ali, Laila Cure, Rhonda K. Lewis, et al.
Citation: BMC Women's Health, 24, 467
Date: 08/2024
Type: Document
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A Scoping Review of Policies to Encourage Breastfeeding, Healthy Eating, and Physical Activity among Rural People and Places in the United States
Scoping review of 122 studies, reports, and theses on breastfeeding, healthy eating, and physical activity policy, systems, and environment change initiatives in rural areas. Analyzes source design, objectives, setting, focus, results, and more. Summarizes research findings and discusses data collection and sharing for rural initiatives.
Author(s): M. Renée Umstattd Meyer, Bailey Houghtaling, Marilyn E. Wende, et al.
Citation: BMC Public Health, 24, 2160
Date: 08/2024
Type: Document
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Community-Based Participatory Obesity Prevention Interventions in Rural Communities: A Scoping Review
Reviews 12 rural childhood obesity prevention studies which included a community-engaged research component. Analyzes study characteristics including type of intervention used, level of community engagement, outcome measurement, and more. Discusses the benefits of improved community engagement in obesity interventions for rural, school-aged children.
Author(s): Saagar Dhanjani, Haley Allen, Beatriz Varman, et al.
Citation: Nutrients, 16(14), 2201
Date: 07/2024
Type: Document
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Social Induction via a Social Behavioral Intervention on Changes in Metabolic Risk Factors: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Rural Appalachia, United States
Examines the effects of a social network intervention on metabolic health in rural, Appalachian Kentucky. Presents data of 301 participants, including data on change in body weight, waist circumference, mean arterial blood pressure, and other cardiovascular and metabolic health indicators. Evaluates the relationship between social networks, health behaviors, and physical health outcomes.
Author(s): Eric L. Ding, Kathleen T. Watson, Leila Makarechi, et al.
Citation: Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 99(7), 1058-1077
Date: 07/2024
Type: Document
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Urban–Rural Disparities in Food Insecurity and Weight Status Among Children in the United States
Analyzes urban versus rural place of residence and its association with childhood food insecurity and weight status. Utilizes 2013-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data and provides breakdowns of urban versus rural food insecurity by child's age and weight status, according to underweight/normal weight, overweight, and obese designations.
Author(s): Jayna M. Dave, Tzuan A. Chen, Alexandra N. Castro, et al.
Citation: Nutrients, 16(13), 2132
Date: 07/2024
Type: Document
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Assessing How Alcohol Use Patterns Relate to Obesity among American Adolescents from Rural and Urban Areas: Five Years of Pooled Data
Analyzes the association between alcohol use and obesity among rural and urban adolescents aged 12-17. Utilizes 2015-2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health data.
Author(s): Christian E. Vazquez, Fawn A. Brown, Faheem Ohri, Philip Baiden
Citation: PLoS ONE, 19(6), e0305638
Date: 06/2024
Type: Document
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