Project Number: 6401-53000-001-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Feb 02, 2006
End Date: Sep 30, 2010

Objective:
There is a disproportionately high incidence of obesity and its co-morbidities in the people of the Lower Mississippi Delta region of Mississippi. A critical need exists for culturally sensitive and scientifically sound research on nutrition and physical activity research to prevent obesity and promote health in this population.

Approach:
Identify and critically evaluate existing interventions designed to motivate individuals and/or communities to change eating and physical activity behaviors for optimal weight and health, especially among high risk-ethnic and socio-economic groups. Identify barriers and motivators for dietary/physical activity interventions relevant to the poeple of Mississippi and especially for the Lower Mississippi Delta region population. Develop, implement, and evaluate culturally appropriate and sustainable interventions, based upon the U.S. Dietary Guidelines, for obesity prevention and health promotion in these populations. These should include both dietary and physical activity strategies.