Rural Obesity and Weight Control – Resources

Boosting Physical Activity in Rural Communities with Play Streets
Interview discussion about Play Streets, or the closing down of specific public places for physical activity and leisure, and how they can benefit rural communities that lack infrastructure for children to be active. Discusses public health benefits of Play Streets and the impact on addressing health disparities.
Date: 08/2019
Sponsoring organization: State of Childhood Obesity
view details

A Qualitative Study Identifying Barriers and Facilitators of Physical Activity in Rural Communities
Highlights a study on physical activity rates and structural impediments and advantages within rural communities that affect those rates. Bases findings on interviews with rural adults in southeast Missouri. Examines the attitudes and concerns about physical activity and makes suggestions for future interventions.
Author(s): Amanda S. Gilbert, Dixie D. Duncan, Alan M. Beck, Amy A. Eyler, Ross C. Brownson
Citation: Journal of Environmental and Public Health, (2019)
Date: 06/2019
view details

The Balance Protocol: A Pragmatic Weight Gain Prevention Randomized Controlled Trial for Medically Vulnerable Patients Within Primary Care
Presents a study of a first-line weight gain prevention intervention for obese patients in central North Carolina. Explores the effectiveness of the intervention on a largely rural, uninsured, and majority Hispanic population.
Author(s): Miriam B. Berger, Dori M. Steinberg, Sandy Askew, et al.
Citation: BMC Public Health, 19, 596
Date: 05/2019
view details

Overweight and Obesity Among School Bus Drivers in Rural Arkansas
Results of a study conducted from January-July 2017 providing data on the prevalence, risk factors, and perceptions of overweight and obesity among 45 bus drivers. Features demographic statistics and selected comments from focus group participants.
Author(s): Karen H. Kim Yeary, Xiaofei Chi, Shelly Lensing, et al.
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 16
Date: 05/2019
view details

Health Disparities Related to Obesity in Appalachia: Practical Strategies and Recommendations for Communities
Offers statistics on obesity in rural Appalachian communities. Highlights strategies and resources to prevent and reduce obesity. Covers recommendations to assist policymakers, funders, and leaders working to reduce obesity related health disparities.
Author(s): Kate Beatty, Nathan Hale, Michael Meit, et al.
Date: 04/2019
Sponsoring organization: Appalachian Regional Commission
view details

User Engagement Associated with Web-Intervention Features to Attain Clinically Meaningful Weight Loss and Weight Maintenance in Rural Women
Discusses messaging and tracking features within web-based weight loss interventions and their efficacy in achieving clinically meaningful short-term and longer-term weight loss in 201 women living in rural Nebraska. Explores the web-based intervention's potential as a telemedicine option in rural areas.
Author(s): Patricia A. Hageman, Joseph E. Mroz, Michael A. Yoerger, Carol H. Pullen
Citation: Journal of Obesity, 2019
Date: 03/2019
view details

Rural-Urban Variation in Weight Loss Recommendations Among US Older Adults with Arthritis and Obesity
Analyzes 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data to identify rural and urban differences in the number of older adults with obesity and arthritis who received weight loss recommendations (WLR) from healthcare providers. Includes data from 5 states on WLR receipt according to age, sex, education, race/ethnicity, income, and population density.
Author(s): Mary Greaney, Steven Cohen, Christie Ward-Ritacco, Deborah Riebe
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(6), 946
Date: 03/2019
view details

Objectively Measured Pediatric Obesity Prevalence Using the OneFlorida Clinical Research Consortium
Results of a study measuring the prevalence of obesity among Florida children ages 2-19, using electronic health records. Features demographics and statistics of rates of obesity and severe obesity, with breakdowns by metropolitan, micropolitan, and rural location.
Author(s): Dominick J. Lemas, Michelle I. Cardel, Stephanie L. Fillip, et al.
Citation: Obesity Research & Clinical Practice, 13(1), 12-15
Date: 2019
view details

Body Mass Index Category Moderates the Relationship Between Depressive Symptoms and Diet Quality in Overweight and Obese Rural-Dwelling Adults.
Examines questionnaire responses from adults in rural Kentucky to determine whether overall diet quality varies according to body mass index (BMI) category and presence of depressive symptoms in people with or at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Contains data comparing healthy eating habits among depressed and non-depressed individuals who are overweight or obese, including breakdowns by age, sex, race/ethnicity, marital status, education, comorbidities, and other characteristics.
Author(s): Demetrius Abshire, Terry Lennie, Misook Chung, et al.
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 34(4), 377-387
Date: 09/2018
view details

Assessing Effectiveness and Cost-Benefit of the Trinity Hospital Twin City Fit for Life Program for Weight Loss and Diabetes Prevention in a Rural Midwestern Town
Reports on Fit For Life (FFL), a health education program that works to address the causes of obesity in rural settings and helps program participants lose weight. Highlights discussion on assessing effectiveness, replication, and cost-effectiveness of lifestyle interventions in a rural Appalachian Ohio county. Covers lessons learned and practice implications.
Author(s): Timothy McKnight, Jennifer R. Demuth, Natalie Wilson, Jonathon P. Leider, Alana Knudson
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 15
Date: 08/2018
view details