2007 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) There is a disproportionately high incidence of obesity and its co-morbidities in the people of the Lower Mississippi Delta region of Mississippi. A critical need exists for culturally sensitive and scientifically sound research on nutrition and physical activity research to prevent obesity and promote health in this population. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Identify and critically evaluate existing interventions designed to motivate individuals and/or communities to change eating and physical activity behaviors for optimal weight and health, especially among high risk-ethnic and socio-economic groups. Identify barriers and motivators for dietary/physical activity interventions relevant to the people of Mississippi and especially for the Lower Mississippi Delta region population. Develop, implement, and evaluate culturally appropriate and sustainable interventions, based upon the U.S. Dietary Guidelines, for obesity prevention and health promotion in these populations. These should include both dietary and physical activity strategies. 4.Accomplishments New project and program began in 2006 with mimimal funding. Cooperation with Delta Health Alliance and University Medical Center (UMC) established, as well as used biostatistician to access and mimic UMC's diabesity data. Epidemiologist has been selected. 5.Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations Cooperative research conducted with UMC in assessing longitudinal outcome for diabetic patients and community base weight attenuation in African American women. 6.Technology Transfer