Project Number: 6251-51000-008-61
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: May 01, 2011
End Date: Sep 30, 2013

Objective:
Obesity in children and adults may be the most serious problem that human nutrition research has ever faced. It is a serious burden to the health care system and adversely impacts the well-being of the nation, particularly in the Lower Mississippi Delta (LMD). The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is coordinating a major research endeavor that brings together the talents of ARS and other research cooperators in the LMD region to develop strategies for reducing obesity in LMD populations through physical activity and nutrition.

Approach:
The Delta Obesity Prevention Research Unit, in partnership with other ARS research laboratories and research cooperators, has developed a strategic plan to improve the health of at-risk, rural populations of the LMD through obesity prevention research. Utilizing multi-faceted research approaches, this endeavor will provide a greater understanding of this population's adherence to national dietary guidance for prevention of obesity and reduced risk for obesity-related chronic disease through the use of dietary and physical activity interventions using established scientific study designs and methods meeting the requirements for evidence-based reviews.