Rural Obesity and Weight Control – Resources

Development of a National Childhood Obesogenic Environment Index in the United States: Differences by Region and Rurality
Details the formation of a childhood obesogenic environment index (COEI), which was used to identify rural, urban, and other geographic differences in environmental factors associated with obesity. Variables used to calculate COEI scores include availability of fast-food restaurants, farmers markets, grocery stores, and other related facilities; access to exercise opportunities; violent crime; walkability; and more. Includes county-level data on COEI scores across the U.S.
Author(s): Andrew Kaczynski, Jan Eberth, Ellen Stowe, et al.
Citation: International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 17(83)
Date: 2020
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A Health Equity Approach to Obesity Efforts: Proceedings of a Workshop
Proceedings of a workshop focused on health equity in demographic groups with a higher risk of obesity and how to address those issues in obesity treatment and prevention efforts. Covers disparities in obesity prevalence, including for rural areas and American Indian/Alaska Natives, social determinants of health, community and public health approaches for preventing and treating obesity, and effective healthcare interventions.
Additional links: Read Online: Full Proceedings, Read Online: Summary, June 2019
Author(s): Roundtable on Obesity Solutions
Date: 12/2019
Sponsoring organization: Health and Medicine Division (HMD), National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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