University of Southern Mississippi

Effectiveness of Women’s Social Club Members Adopting Modified Dietary Guidelines

Obesity rates in the Lower Mississippi Delta region are among the highest in the U.S., with less than 7% of Delta adults consuming a healthy diet that can reduce the risk of obesity. An evaluation of the existing food patterns of Delta adults is needed. Adapting these existing patterns to meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans will be achieved through research conducted by University of Southern Mississippi cooperating scientists. Minor, however effective, modifications will be made to existing dietary patterns and evaluated for successful implementation in Mississippi social women’s organizations over a 12 month period. Successful results will improve the diets of dietary residents, specifically weight status and healthy blood pressure. For additional information, contact Dr. Carol Connell (carol.connell@usm.edu).

Principal Investigator: Dr Kathy Yadrick Kathy.Yadrick@usm.edu

Project Leader:
Dr Carol Connell, Lead Carol.Connell@usm.edu

2012 Research Personnel Included:

Holly Federico Huye, MS, RD

LaShaundrea Crook, MS, RD

Jamie Zoellner, PhD

Martha Resavy

Belynda Bock, BS, Secretary (8.1% Academic Year)

Briuana Perryman

Alicia Landry

2 Master's Level Graduate Assistants

8 Part-time data collectors

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