This study examines variables that potentially influence the obesity rate by means of a cross-sectional regression analysis. A random sample of 303 counties, 20 from each of the 16 Southern States will be analyzed (Delaware only has three counties and all will be included in my study). This study attempts to answer the question: does social support, financial means, exercise, genetics, literacy, the physical environment, health status, dietary habits, age, culture, and employment status influence the obesity rate for 20 counties in each of the Southern States of the U.S.? Since data for these specific variables are unattainable, proxies will be used to represent them. Obesity is a large health issue in the United States, and by showing the audience what independent proxies potentially influence it, prevention steps can be created.