Rummo PE, et al. - Using repeated cross-sectional data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) (2003-2012), researchers sought to explore correlations between food, built, and economic contextual factors and geographic differences in BMI levels between US counties as well as their connection to longitudinal changes in BMI levels within US counties and ascertain if these links differed by gender and income level. A negative association between counties for active commuting and positive associations for unemployment and restaurants with limited service was noted. An SD increase in active commuting within counties was linked to a 0.51-kg/m² decrease in BMI over time. Such findings indicate that characteristics at the community level play a significant role in influencing the regional differences in BMI over time between and within communities.