Obesity is an issue that threatens the health of millions of Americans—but especially those that live in rural communities. As we head into 2023, it is important for healthcare leaders in these areas to understand the severity of the obesity epidemic in rural America and to develop public health programs and initiatives in response.
In this article, we will highlight the prevalence and risks of obesity in rural America as well as break down some of its contributing factors. We will also suggest ways healthcare leaders, local governments, and community stakeholders can work to alleviate this growing epidemic.
Let’s dive in.
However, research has shown that this epidemic does not affect all communities equally.
These findings are consistent with other public health threats; rural communities are often disproportionately affected by disease and health risks.
Why is that so?
Let’s look at some contributing factors to the obesity epidemic in rural America.
Compared to their metropolitan counterparts, rural communities often have fewer resources that can help lead to healthier lifestyles. For example, many rural communities have a shortage of healthcare specialists like nutritionists and dietitians. [iv]
Metropolitan vs. Nonmetropolitan Comparison
source: Rural Health Information Hub [vi]
By breaking barriers to care and developing different public health initiatives, public health leaders can work toward slowing the obesity epidemic in their communities.
Partnering to fight the obesity epidemic in rural America
If you want to start implementing some of these strategies and creating new initiatives, we can help. At AB Med, we can support rural healthcare leaders to help them break down barriers to care, address limiting social determinants of health, and develop effective and relevant programs to address the obesity epidemic.
With over 75 years of combined experience in the healthcare industry, we understand the intricacies of designing, creating, and executing innovative public health solutions. Let’s work together to minimize and alleviate the threats facing the health of rural communities in 2023 and beyond.
REFERENCES & RESOURCES
- www.ruralhealth.us . (n.d.). NRHA’s new rural obesity and chronic disease partnership – NRHA. [online] Available at: https://www.ruralhealth.us/blogs/ruralhealthvoices/october-2022/nrha-s-new-rural-obesity-and-chronic-disease-partn [Accessed 4 Jan. 2023].
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2021). Adult Obesity Facts. [online] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html.
- CDC. (2019). CDC: More obesity in U.S. rural counties than in urban counties. [online] Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2018/s0614-obesity-rates.html.
- Ruralhealthinfo.org. (2014). Rural Obesity and Weight Control Introduction – Rural Health Information Hub. [online] Available at: https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/topics/obesity-and-weight-control.
- Okobi, O.E., Ajayi, O.O., Okobi, T.J., Anaya, I.C., Fasehun, O.O., Diala, C.S., Evbayekha, E.O., Ajibowo, A.O., Olateju, I.V., Ekabua, J.J., Nkongho, M.B., Amanze, I.O., Taiwo, A., Okorare, O., Ojinnaka, U.S., Ogbeifun, O.E., Chukwuma, N., Nebuwa, E.J., Omole, J.A. and Udoete, I.O. (2021). The Burden of Obesity in the Rural Adult Population of America. Cureus, [online] 13(6). doi:10.7759/cureus.15770.
- Ruralhealthinfo.org . (2014). Rural Obesity and Weight Control Introduction – Rural Health Information Hub. [online] Available at: https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/topics/obesity-and-weight-control.
By: Erik McLaughlin MD, MPH and Aikaterini Papadopoulou, B.Arch
