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Featured Article
The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC), a newly formed independent non-profit organization, is designed to educate and advocate on behalf of those living with or affected by obesity.
The mission of the OAC is to elevate and empower those affected by obesity through education, advocacy and support.
Obesity impacts one in four Americans. It is estimated that more than 93 million Americans are obese, with that number predicted to rise to 120 million in the next five years.
The numbers affected by obesity are staggering. As such, the OAC will work to focus national attention on obesity as a disease, its treatments and impact on society. We are extremely excited to have this opportunity to address a disease affecting millions of people.
Find out more...
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Welcome to the premiere issue of the Obesity Action Alert, the Obesity Action Coalition's free electronic newsletter. It is our hope that you, the reader, find the following information resourceful and helpful.
If you have any questions or concerns about the topics presented in this issue, please contact the OAC National Office at (800) 717-3117 or info@obesityaction.org.
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OAC Launches National Campaign
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The OAC is excited to launch its national "Raise Your Voice" membership campaign. Designed to enhance the voice of those personally affected by or who have an interest in obesity, the "Raise Your Voice" campaign seeks to build a nationwide coalition of patients, family members and professionals to proactively get involved in helping educate and advocate on behalf of the millions impacted by obesity.
Now is the perfect time to join our efforts as a member of the OAC.
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OAC Membership... |
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Health Spending Soars for Obesity
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According to USA TODAY, private health insurance spending on illnesses related to obesity has increased more than tenfold since 1987, according to the first research to quantify the trend.
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To view this article at www.usatoday.com, click here. |
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Learn How to Advocate
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The OAC encourages patients to become advocates for change by educating themselves and others about obesity, its complications and treatments. Through advocacy you can impact how others in your community view obesity and influence decision makers, such as your legislators, insurers and employers.
Recently, in the state of Wisconsin, advocacy efforts of patients and many others made a tremendous impact by influencing Governor Jim Doyle to veto a section of a bill which included a provision eliminating coverage of bariatric surgery in Wisconsin's Medicaid program.
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To become an effective advocate, please visit the Advocacy section of the OAC Web site. |
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Severe Obesity May Hit Men Harder
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According to Foxnews.com, severe obesity may be harder on men than on women, new research shows.
That's what scientists saw in a small group of severely obese people -- 22 men and 34 women. Data came from blood samples and endurance tests on stationary bikes.
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To view this article at www.foxnews.com, click here. |
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Childhood Obesity
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Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic in the United States. It is estimated that among children and teens aged 6-19 years, 16 percent (more than 9 million young people) are considered overweight or obese. This number has more than tripled since 1980.
For more detailed information, such as how to measure childhood obesity, the risks, causes and treatment options, visit the OAC Web site.
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OAC Web site |
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Morbid Obesity Increases Chance of Developing Diabetes and Foot Ulcers
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According to Medical News Today, a study published in the April edition of Foot and Ankle International (FAI) shows morbidly obese patients are much more likely to develop diabetic foot ulcers than non-obese patients.
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To view this article at www.medicalnewstoday.com, click here. |
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