Obesity has been recognized as a chronic, pervasive, and relapsing disease by the American Medical Association for the last decade, yet it still carries stigma, blame, and a mischaracterization of being a lifestyle choice. Just last year, several prominent medical organizations, including the AMA, updated their obesity guidelines and practices to reflect the innovative treatments that are now available for patients.
Obesity is a leading driver of chronic disease and is associated with more than 200 comorbidities, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and multiple types of cancer (AMA). Leaders and health insurers don’t seem to understand that to treat obesity means to see improvement in these comorbidities and a long-term reduction in overall cost, plus a healthier people. In 2023, Science magazine named GLP-1s "Breakthrough of the Year". GLP-1s have redefined the treatment of obesity and Type 2 diabetes
We all must advocate for ourselves, but also share our stories when we contact our legislative and congressional representatives to advocate for better policies for caring for people with obesity.
Take Action
In California Support: AB 535 (Richardson) -- Obesity Care Access Act SB 535 will ensure Californians have an appropriate range of treatment options available to combat obesity. SB 535 will ensure Californians have an appropriate range of treatment options available to combat obesity. Please send a letter of support for AB 535.
Support: Restoration of Medi-Cal funding and access for GLP-1 medications used to treat obesity in the 2026 Budget Act. In 2025, California revoked access to GLP-1 for weight loss for its Medi-Cal (Medicaid) population. Eliminating coverage does not eliminate cost; it allows cost in areas affected by obesity to continue to grow. The stigma of obesity prevents patients – especially women and underserved Californians – from accessing comprehensive care, leading to costly and deadly co-occurring conditions including Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, kidney disease, and cancer. Untreated obesity also contributes to lost productivity and long-term disability, costing California almost $90 billion annually. Meanwhile, a 25% weight reduction, which is not uncommon among patients on GLP-1 medications, led to a $5,442 drop in yearly health care costs, or 31% in savings. Thousands of Medi-Cal patients who had begun clinically appropriate treatment have lost access due to the state’s coverage decision, widening an already significant equity gap. This drop in access also exacerbates the women’s health gap, considering metabolic and hormonal changes during pregnancy, postpartum recovery, perimenopause, and menopause significantly increase the risk of obesity and related chronic conditions. Medi-Cal serves 15 million Californians, many of whom face higher risks of obesity-related illness and barriers to consistent care. Restoring access to effectively treat this disease with breakthrough, FDA-approved medications in critical. Submit letters of support. Instructions and a sample can be found HERE:
U.S. Legislation Support: Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA) -- H.R. 4231/S. 1973 In 2025, the bipartisan Treat and Reduce Obesity Act was reintroduced in the 119th Congress with strong support.expands Medicare coverage of intensive behavioral therapy for obesity. Specifically, the bill allows coverage for therapy that is provided by a physician or other health care providers and approved counseling programs, if provided upon a referral from, and in coordination with, a physician or primary care practitioner. Currently, such therapy is covered only if provided by a primary care practitioner. The bill also allows coverage under Medicare's prescription drug benefit of drugs used for the treatment of obesity or for weight loss management for individuals who are overweight. You can send in a support letter on the Obesity Action website.
