Obesity in Rural-Dwelling Older Adults: A Scoping Review of Epidemiological Findings and Intervention Approaches

Abstract

Objective

Review studies targeting obesity/overweight among older rural adults to: (1) summarize obesity prevalence and identify high-risk groups in epidemiological studies, and (2) describe the types of obesity interventions and outcomes examined in this population.

Data Source

CINAHL Ultimate, PubMed, Google Scholar, MEDLINE.

Study Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria

Inclusion criteria: peer-reviewed intervention/epidemiological studies in English, adults aged 50+ with overweight/obesity who were rural dwellers. Exclusion criteria: review/meta-analysis articles, child/adolescent obesity, youth or adults aged <50, examining obesity with other chronic conditions, published before the year 2000.

Data Extraction

Study population/design/methodology/results, publication year (2000-2024), type of intervention, methodology of epidemiological studies.

Data Synthesis

Study characteristics and outcomes were summarized in the assessment/intervention matrix tables.

Results

Seventeen articles met the inclusion criteria: 6 epidemiological studies (US = 3, overseas = 3), 7 community-based interventions, 3 remote interventions, and 1 hybrid intervention. Epidemiological studies showed that the obesity/overweight prevalence ranged from 11.2%-64.6%. Women were consistently more likely to be obese/overweight than men. While one US study found significant associations between lower educational attainment and higher obesity rates, one non-US study reported no association between educational attainment and obesity. Community-based interventions with nutrition/exercise sessions and remote/hybrid interventions were reported to support weight and/or insulin resistance management.

Conclusion

Future interventions should prioritize high-risk subgroups, such as American Indians/Alaska Natives, older women, and individuals with lower educational attainment.