Since 1970, obesity rates in America have more than doubled. Currently two-thirds of adults (about 150 million) in the United States are overweight or obese (Food Research and Action Center). According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, “overweight is defined as a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 while obesity is defined as a BMI greater than 30.” There are numerous factors that contribute to obesity such as: biological, behavioral and cultural influences (Food Research and Action Center). While all of these factors play an important role in obesity, there is no factor that has as large an influence as poverty. According to the American Psychological Association, “In 2010, the poverty line, or poverty line, was $22,314 for a family of four” (2). People living in poverty may be forced to depend on public assistance programs such as food stamps, or more formally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. Outwardly, this program appears to benefit hungry families, but overall it is actually facilitating their obesity. The family of four mentioned above would be eligible to receive a maximum of $688 per month in food stamps (North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services). This equates to just over $170 per week or $40 per family member. A paltry sum like this forces families to make difficult decisions about the amount and type of food to provide for their family. Meal vouchers are not the only solution available; for example, a person may decide to find more jobs to supplement their income. However, with more jobs come other obesity triggers. Multiple jobs increase a person's stress level which in turn increases... middle of paper... energy density and costs." The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 79.1 (2004): 6-16. Web. October 22, 2013 . Food Research and Action Center. Relationship between Poverty and Overweight or Obesity. Web 21 October 2013. Levine, James "Poverty and Obesity in the United States" Diabetes 60.11 (2011): 2667-2668 21 October 2013. Libal, Fall." Do the poor get fat, the rich get thin?" Christine A, Len Kravitz, and Suzzane Schneider Cortisol Connection: Tips on Stress and Weight Management n.d. Web Oct. 22, 2013. McDonald's 2013. Web Nov. 10, 2013. North Carolina Department of Health Services food and nutrition. October 15, 2013. Web. October 25, 2013. Dir. Morgan Spurlock, Daryl Isaacs and Lisa Ganjhu.