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Rural Health Information Hub

At-Risk Populations

Certain populations tend to have higher rates of obesity. Overweight and obesity are often accompanied by other chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, certain cancers, and arthritis.

Rural populations with a higher risk of obesity include those who are:

  • Age 60 and above
  • Low-income
  • Caucasians living in Appalachia
  • Latino migrant farm workers
  • American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) living on reservations
  • African-Americans living in the south

It is important to consider the needs of specific population groups when creating or tailoring your rural obesity prevention program. For additional information, see Considerations When Adapting a Program in the Rural Community Health Toolkit.