Obesity in Rural America

Abstract

(from the chapter) Rural Americans are more likely to be obese than urban Americans. Rural women, racial/ethnic minorities, and low-income individuals are at greatest risk of obesity. To understand and effectively address obesity, research and interventions are needed that examine how individual, family, and community-level factors and policy interrelate and their resulting relationships to obesity. Programs and policies implemented in rural communities to prevent obesity should be designed to give attention to promoting access to affordable and healthful foods, creating opportunities for physical activity as a part of daily living, reducing chronic individual and family stressors such as depression, social isolation, unemployment and poverty, inadequate and unaffordable housing, and transportation difficulties, as well as assist individuals and families in gaining knowledge and developing skills that support healthful eating and physical activity. In rural communities, community organizations (e.g., schools and other educational entities, youth programs, health professionals, businesses, producers, faith organizations, government entities) and families need to come together to identify common goals related to obesity prevention and identify and mobilize human and community assets to implement strategies they believe will work for their community. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved)