Los Angeles, Calif. – Today, during the 2015 ObesityWeek, leading healthcare organizations announced the formation of a new advocacy network, the Obesity Care Advocacy Network (OCAN). The Founding members, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), the Endocrine Society, Novo Nordisk, the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC), the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA), and The Obesity Society, aim to partner with other medical societies and organizations to change how the nation perceives and approaches the U.S. obesity epidemic by educating and advocating for public policies and increased funding for obesity education, research, treatment and care.

“Efforts to address the obesity epidemic have expanded dramatically over the past few years; however, we know that many individuals still struggle with obesity. OCAN will work to increase access to treatment and educate the public, especially the U.S. healthcare system, on the seriousness of this epidemic,” said Joe Nadglowski, OAC President and CEO.

OCAN hopes to prevent the progression of obesity and increase access to treatment through uniting key obesity stakeholders and the larger obesity community around key education, policy and legislative efforts.

“Obesity is a complex, multi-faceted disease with no easy remedies. Coalitions, such as OCAN, are crucial to enacting change in the national dialogue about obesity and helping patients get the care that they need,” said Dr. George Grunberger, President of AACE.

“Treating obesity seriously is a crucial first step in addressing this disease. With the help of each organization within the Network, OCAN will change the way obesity is viewed in this country and hopefully lay the groundwork for positive global change,” said Francesca Dea, Executive Director of The Obesity Society.

For more information on the Network or to learn how your organization and/or company can become more involved in this national effort, please visit www.ObesityCareAdvocacyNetwork.org.

About the OCAN
The Obesity Care Advocacy Network (OCAN) is a diverse group of organizations who have come together to change how the nation perceives and approaches our country’s obesity epidemic by educating and  advocating for public policies and increased funding for obesity education, research, treatment, and care.