Efforts are underway to help break the cycle of America's obesity epidemic. The Healthy Incentives pilot program aims to provide nutritious food options to low-income families.

Families in western Massachusetts who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps) will be eligible for the discount. Those who use SNAP will be credited 30 cents for each dollar spent on produce. It's hoped that the automatic discount on healthier food will spur low-income families to eat healthier diets.

Earlier this year, First Lady Michelle Obama discussed the health care expenses that arise from obesity.

"One-third of all children born in 2000 or later will suffer from diabetes at some point in their lives; many others will face chronic obesity-related health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, and asthma," said Obama.

The American Heart Association notes that many weight-related conditions children today are being diagnosed with weren't typically seen until adulthood until quite recently. People who are unhealthy as children tend to become unhealthy adults. Those in poor health may find themselves paying higher health insurance premiums.