Reducing obesity in rural Alabama: From focus groups to community coalitions

Abstract

With an adult obesity rate of 35.6%, Alabama is the second most obese state in the United States. AlabamaExtension and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) joined in the first collaboration betweenthe CDC and land-grant institutions to prevent further incidence and reduce the prevalence of obesity. Theobjective of our study was to determine perceived barriers and assets related to nutrition education, foodretail, and physical activity in 14 rural counties in Alabama where adult obesity rates are greater than 40%. Extension formed community coalitions in the counties to help identify community-specific needs andstrategies related to obesity prevention and reduction.