Advocacy

We Fight for You

To address the obesity epidemic, we must confront the barriers and social discrimination faced by many. The Obesity Association fights for everyone—people living with obesity and health care professionals alike—to help achieve better health for everyone.

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Our Commitment to Obesity Advocacy

Advocating for people with obesity is essential for fostering inclusivity, promoting health equity, and combating stigma.

Known for our impact at the local, state, and federal levels, we advocate for the needs of both people living with obesity and health care professionals. We work to ensure people living with obesity have access to affordable and equitable care, while empowering health care professionals with practices that enable them to provide best care possible.

Become an Advocate  

Patient Advocacy

Putting the Person First

Advocating for evidence-based approaches to preventing, treating,  and managing obesity is just one way to empower people to make more informed choices about their health and wellbeing. Every day, we work to:

  • Expand access to healthy and nutritious foods, especially in economically underserved communities.
  • Support increased options for exercise and access to safe, recreational areas.
  • Improve access to personalized treatment for obesity, including lifestyle modifications, prescribed medication when appropriate, and recommended bariatric and metabolic surgery.
  • Ensure the fair and empathetic treatment of people living with obesity.
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Professional Advocacy

Ensuring the Best Care

Advocating for the education, policies, and practices that prioritize obesity prevention helps health care professionals get the tools and support they need to provide compassionate, evidence-based care to patients. We’re working to:

  • Increase funding for diabetes prevention, research, and evidence-based support programs.
  • Eliminate barriers to access for patients, including prior authorization requirements.
  • Ensure health care professionals have effective treatment options to promote person-centered care.
  • Protect and expand research opportunities on the treatment and prevention of obesity.
     
Overweight African American senior woman talking to African American female physician in hospital room