Affordable Care Act (ACA) takes on the challenge of obesity

Purpose: Determine what services are available to prevent obesity in low-resourced communities. Discussion: Over the past three decades, the world has witnessed a steady rise in overweight and obesity rates. The United States holds claim for the ninth highest rates in the world. Many research initiatives have found significant correlations between obesity and health complications such as chronic illnesses (i.e. cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes), depression, and shorter life expectancy. Obesity is complex in that its causes could be attributed to a variety of different factors. Lack of access to health care is often a key factor in high obesity rates. This paper seeks to identify possible causes of obesity as well as to highlight obesity-countering provisions within the Affordable Care Act.