Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to explore the causes of obesity among middle-ageed women in rural areas through a socio-ecological approach and propose strategies of obesity management. Methods: We selected two rural areas called the I and Y counties. For the quantitative aspect, secondary data and geospatial-analysis were used, whereas for the qualitative aspect, focus group interviews and official documents reviews were conducted. Results: Obesity was related more to low levels of physical activity (OR=1.811, p<.01) than to high levels. Groups that utilized nutritioin labels less tended to be more obese (OR=1.564, p<.05) than the other groups. The number of fast-food stores in the I county was twice as high as that in the Y county. The I county had poor conditions than the Y county in terms of public resources. The related factors could be divided in the following categories: (1) Body weight self-management; (2) Peers to exercise together; (3) Access to fresh food and exercise facility; (4) Health budget and lack of leisure programs. Conclusion: There were various obesity causes, and, thus, intervening one factor cannot be a proper solution. Therefore, a social-ecological approach should be utilized to address the obesity issues.
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