CDC established the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System to monitor the leading causes of death, disability, and social problems through the use of YRBS. Part of the YRBS inquires about dietary behaviors, physical activity, and overweight/weight control. Physical inactivity and unhealthy eating resulted in 400,000 deaths in 2004 in the U.S. Leading causes of overweightness (dietary habits and exercise behaviors) are usually developed during youth, and extend to adulthood. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of dietary habits, exercise factors, and overweightness among high school students in a rural community in Southeast U.S. These prevalence rates were compared to the state and national levels and degree of association among variables that contribute to unhealthy lifestyles was determined. This study employed a cross-sectional epidemiological research design methodology. Primary data was collected of high school students by using the CDC 2005 YRBS that contained 28 questions that addressed the above variables (n=993). Primary outcome measure for research questions was being overweight, as determined by BMI >95th percentile, adjusted for age/gender. Results portrayed the rural population under study as more overweight and more sedentary than state and national norms. Nearly half of all students reported trying to lose weight, many thru fasting, dieting, taking diet pills or vomiting. Female participants reported skewed perceptions of body weight (p<0.05). Less than 20% of the students met the recommended daily dietary consumption for fruits and vegetables, and milk. Although more than 2/3 of all high school students participated in some physical activity, as duration and intensity increased participation decreased to less than 1/3. Watching >3 hrs. of television had no association with any level of physical activity (p<0.01) Being enrolled in PE class or Participation on a Sports Team had significant associations with all levels of physical activity (p<0.01). Statistical differences (p<0.05) between demographical variables were reported with blacks more likely to eat more fruits and vegetables, males more likely to drink milk, and males to be more active in P.E. classes. This study found clear demographic trends in the data. School resources are very limited, and therefore interventions through the school must be specifically targeted to be as effective as possible. Suggestions to tailor interventions to match specific high school profiles will be explored.