title: Healthy eating and exercise: strategies for weight management in the rural midwest.
abstract: Obesity prevalence has increased dramatically in the United States. Rural areas have been especially affected, yet few weight management studies have been conducted in these populations. This study was designed to assess weight management attitudes and strategies used when rural adults in particular attempt to lose weight, employing measures that are more specific than those reported in similar studies. The survey was completed by 123 adults aged 19 to 71, with a 29% response rate. Scales demonstrated good to excellent internal consistency, and test-retest reliability. Persons currently trying to lose weight were more likely to report self-monitoring behaviors and goal setting but no more likely to report use of specific behavioral strategies compared to persons not trying to lose weight. The results suggest considerable interest in weight management among rural adults and provide a starting point for planning future weight management interventions in this and similar populations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community and Behavioral Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242, USA. faryle-nothwehr@uiowa.edu
authors.forename: Faryle
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Nothwehr
authors.forename: N Andrew
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Peterson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004522:Educational Status; D004651:Employment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007484:Iowa / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009765:Obesity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015995:Prevalence; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires