Development of a Weight Loss Program for Appalachian Kentucky Adults: A Formative Research Survey

Abstract

Although obesity rates are high in Appalachian Kentucky, few interventions have been developed for this population. The purpose of this study was to survey adults in the region about their needs and interest for a weight loss program. A telephone survey was conducted with 404 adults in Appalachian Kentucky. Sixty‐nine percent (69%) of respondents were overweight or obese. Nearly half (48%) of respondents reported a diagnosis of a chronic health condition. The most frequently mentioned barriers to weight loss were current eating habits, time, and current physical condition. The most frequently mentioned motivators for losing weight were health, appearance, and feeling better. Sixty‐eight percent (68%) of respondents were interested in losing weight. Women were more likely than men to have an accurate perception of their weight and a greater interest in losing weight.

Obesity Among Women Living in Appalachia: A Dimensional Analysis

“…The dimensional analysis included the following steps: (a) identify conditions, (b) identify the dimensions and sub dimensions of obesity related to Appalachian women, (c), identify the perspectives of women living in Appalachia in regard to obesity, (d) 2010; Schoenberg et al, 2008;Serrano, Leiferman, & Dauber, 2007;Webber & Quintiliani, 2011;Vona-Davis et al, 2008). It is also well documented that Appalachian women have less education, household income, and access to healthcare than women living outside the Appalachian region (Coyne et al, 2006;Ramsey & Glenn, 2002;Serrano et al, 2007;Tessaro, Rye, Parker, Mangone, & McCrone, 2007).…”

“…Women living in the Appalachian region earn less income and have poorer health outcomes than women in the US as a whole (Amonkar & Madhavan, 2002;Pearson et al, 2010;Schoenberg et al, 2008;Serrano et al, 2007;Webber & Quintiliani, 2011;Vona-Davis et al, 2008). Several studies have found that Appalachian women earn an average annual income of less than $20,000 (Ramsey & Glenn, 2002;Rye, Rye, Tessaro, & Coffindaffer, 2009;Schoenberg, Hatcher, & Dignan, 2008;Schoenberg, Hopenhayn, Christian, Knight, & Rubio, 2005;Tessaro et al, 2007).…”

“…One study indicated that lack of time, current eating habits, and poor physical conditions pre-vented women from performing regular physical activity (Webber & Quintiliani, 2011). Many Appalachian women have reported living on hilly, narrow roads with a lack of sidewalks and street lights, which, in turn, prevented them from participating in activities like walking or jogging (Rye et al, 2009;Zizzi et al, 2006).…”

“…Obese women were found to accept disease and poor health as part of life, and were found to have less self-efficacy and less will power to eat a healthy diet and participate in physical activity (Coyne et al, 2006). In addition, obese Appalachian women were less likely to participate in care for the prevention or of chronic diseases (Amonkar & Madhavan, 2002;Pearson et al, 2010;2008;Serrano et al, 2007;Webber & Quintiliani, 2011;Vona-Davis et al, 2008).…”

Spatial and Psychosocial Influences on Food Access in Rural Appalachia

“…Customizing interventions to meet the needs of specific populations may increase likelihood of success (Webber & Quintiliani, 2011). Though this study was limited to a small sample in one county, recommendations based on the findings are also supported in the literature.…”