Project Number: 6401-51000-001-12
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Sep 30, 2011
End Date: Sep 29, 2016

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 nutrition and physical activity behavioral interventions.

Approach:
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. Specifically through this agreement ARS and cooperator will develop, implement and evaluate new or adapt existing interventions designed to motivate high-risk ethnic or low-sociodemographic children, adults, families, churches, or communities to change eating or activity behaviors for optimum weight and health.