Determining the Relationship Between Adult Obesity Rate and Risk Factor in Mississippi

Adult obesity has become a growing issue in the United States and continues to rise as a public health concern.  The state of Mississippi ranks number one in the United States for 35.1% of adult obesity rates.  The objective of this study is to assess risk factors that significantly contribute to adult obesity rates in Mississippi.  In this study, fifteen risk factors affecting the adult obesity rates in Mississippi are being investigated.  They included unemployment rate, percentage of people indicating that no leisure time for physical activity, and USDA’s natural amenity index.  Multiple linear regression models along with simulation modeling methods were constructed to identify risk factors in models with the greatest impact on adult obesity rate in Mississippi and to understand the impact of risk factors and uncertainty.  It demonstrates the validity that physical inactivity, black to white population ratio, access to recreational facilities, and percentage of children eligible for free lunch program are the most inferential risk factors contributing to important risk factors affecting adult obesity rates in Mississippi according to the tornado chart in the simulation model.  It is evident that result of the simulation model is consistent with the findings in the literature review.  Ultimately, the important risk factors found that contribute to adult obesity rates in Mississippi may be used in the field of public health to help public officials and policy makers adopt and expand resources as they facilitate to improve the state’s adult obesity rate.