Obesity is a chronic disease that increases risk of other serious health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and certain cancers. With 4 out of 10 American adults living with obesity, access to and insurance coverage for treatment options are essential.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating obesity, and luckily, there are several FDA-approved medication options available today that work alongside diet and exercise programs, surgery and psychotherapy.
Unfortunately, not everyone is able to get access to these medication options through their health insurance, which limits their ability to get the treatment they need to improve their health outcomes.
Watch: Congressional Briefing: Ensuring Patient Access to Effective Treatments for Obesity >>
Act Now
The Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA) is a bi-partisan bill that was first introduced to Congress in 2013. If passed, TROA would expand Medicare coverage to include screening and treatment of obesity and include coverage of FDA-approved medications for chronic weight management.
HealthyWomen is working with advocacy groups to push for the passage of TROA, and you can help. Use the Obesity Action Coalition’s advocacy tool or the Alliance for Women’s Health and Prevention advocacy tool to find your representatives and generate a letter urging them to support TROA.
Want to help advocate for people living with obesity? Download our social media toolkit.
Resources
Alliance for Women’s Health and Prevention’s Advocacy Tool
HealthyWomen’s Obesity Education
Obesity Action Coalition’s Advocacy Tool
Reclaim Your Wellness CampaignThis educational resource was created with support from Eli Lilly and Company and Novo Nordisk.
