American Obesity Advocates

The American Obesity Advocates are working to find solutions for millions living with this chronic condition.

OBESITY IS AN EPIDEMIC IN THE U.S.

Obesity is a serious and highly prevalent disease in the United States. It is estimated nearly 93 million Americans have obesity, and it is predicted to rise to 120 million within the next five years. Obesity impacts an estimated 42 percent of American adults, including adults over the age of 60. Healthcare costs and productivity impact related to obesity total almost $1.4 trillion annually. Obesity increases the risk for many other chronic and infectious diseases, including high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, COVID-19, and influenza.

Access to high-quality care improves patient outcomes. There are FDA-approved treatments for people with obesity and evidence-based approaches to care that mitigate the impacts of the disease and improve health outcomes. But our system remains fractured, and coverage options for obesity treatments are only available for a few individuals.

ANTI-OBESITY MEDICATIONS

OBESITY IS NOT A CHOICE

Obesity is not a choice. It’s a chronic, progressive disease with severe consequences, and action is needed now. Despite the growing consensus and understanding in the scientific and medical communities around the disease of obesity, many policymakers and society continue to view obesity as a lifestyle choice or personal failure. There are aged statutory rules prohibiting Medicare coverage of anti-obesity medications (AOMs). These 20-plus-year-old statutes were implemented before the emergence of new anti-obesity medications and broad recognition by leading medical organizations, such as the American Medical Association, that obesity is a disease. We all have loved ones, friends, or family who struggle with obesity despite attempts to manage the disease on their own. This is our opportunity to help our friends, coworkers, family members, and constituents get the help they need and deserve.

Medicare covers treatments for other chronic diseases, including diabetes, prediabetes, arthritis, heart disease, chronic kidney diseases, hypertension, yet does not cover the full spectrum of care for obesity as a chronic disease.

MEDICARE COVERS OTHER CHRONIC DISEASES

FEDERAL HEALTH PLAN COVERS ANTI-OBESITY TREATMENT

Obesity care in Medicare should be at parity with obesity care in the Federal Employees Health Benefit (FEHB). All health plans that serve federal employees must provide coverage for AOMs. The FEHB program now covers AOMs for 9 million federal employees, retirees, and their families but not those on Medicare. The Veterans Administration (VA) offers AOM coverage.

Updating access to comprehensive obesity care will also significantly benefit communities of color. Improving access to AOMs would enhance health equity, as obesity disproportionately affects Black, Hispanic, and lower-income communities. Nearly 50% of Black adults and 45% of Hispanic adults have obesity, compared to about 42% of whites. Black and Hispanic populations are already disproportionately affected by chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases like diabetes, and many cancers. These diseases are likely complications from untreated obesity, further perpetuating health disparities. More than half of the Black Medicare population has obesity, and two-thirds have hypertension.

UPDATING ACCESS

THE TREAT AND REDUCE OBESITY ACT

The Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA) is common sense legislation designed to tackle one of our most pressing health challenges. At its core, TROA aims to improve access to evidence-based obesity treatment and prevention strategies for people in need. By implementing comprehensive changes in healthcare policies, TROA seeks to empower healthcare providers, patients, and communities to appropriately manage obesity.

TROA strives to ensure that insurance coverage includes obesity screening, counseling, and treatment services, leaving no one behind. By removing barriers to access, more individuals will have the opportunity to receive the care they need to overcome obesity and its associated health risks. By treating obesity with the seriousness it deserves, we can promote more effective interventions and support for those affected.

We are the American Obesity Advocates, calling on Congress to pass the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of Americans affected by this disease. Let’s create a more inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Join American Obesity Advocates in supporting the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act, and let’s pave the way to a brighter future for all.