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 rising health epidemic in the United States. It is estimated that nearly 93 million Americans are affected by obesity, and that number is predicted to rise to 120 million within the next five years. Obesity impacts an estimated 42 percent of adult Americans, and costs related to obesity are almost $1.4 trillion each year. More than a third of all adults over age 60 have obesity. Obesity increases the risk for over 200 chronic diseases and conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.

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 veterans, rural communities, low-income communities and communities of color. Improving access to AOMs would enhance health equity. These diseases are likely complications from untreated obesity, further perpetuating health disparities.

UPDATING ACCESS

enter for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rule to allow Medicare and Medicaid to cover FDA approved anti-obesity medications

The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rule is a common sense solution designed to tackle one of our most pressing health challenges. At its core, this rule aims to improve access to evidence-based obesity treatment and prevention strategies for people in need. By the Trump Administration finalizing this rule, they will empower healthcare providers, patients, and communities to appropriately manage obesity.

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.