A life course perspective on BMI in rural America

Rural Americans are substantially more likely to be obese than their urban counterparts. A life course perspective offers insights into how growing up in rural areas may affect weight in young adulthood. Using data from the Panel Survey of Income Dynamics, this study follows the residential trajectories of 3157 respondents since birth. Living in a rural area during the critical period of early childhood (before age two) is predictive of higher BMI, while residence in later childhood and adolescence is not. Improving the health and wellbeing of rural mothers and infants could potentially help address the roots of rural obesity.

Automated summary

Research shows that living in rural areas during early childhood can lead to obesity in young adulthood, while residence in rural areas during later childhood and adolescence has less impact on weight. Therefore, improving the health of rural mothers and infants may help address the roots of rural obesity.