OAC Web Site Offers Important Information

OAC Offers Membership at Various Levels

Obesity-Related Diabetes Rising in U.S. Kids

OAC Requests Nominations for its National Board of Directors

Obesity Problems Boost Insurance Cost Tenfold in 15 Years

Advocate for Safe and Effective Treatment

Obesity Linked with Higher Prostate Cancer Risk

Donate to the OAC

Welcome to 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.

The OAC offers membership at a variety of levels. From patients to surgeons, the OAC has a membership level for all. Membership strengthens the voice of all those living with obesity and ensures that education and advocacy remain at the forefront in the fight against the disease.

Membership levels are available for patients, healthcare professionals, surgeons, physicians and institutions (bariatric surgery and weight-loss management centers). The OAC's Chairman's Council is also offered to allow patients, professionals and organizations to get involved in the OAC at a higher level of commitment.

Membership in the OAC is on an annual basis and is accompanied with numerous benefits, such as OAC News, an official charter membership card/certificate, representation through advocacy and much more!

According to YAHOO! NEWS, a tidal wave of "diabesity", a new term coined to reflect a form of diabetes brought on by obesity, is sweeping through American children.

The OAC is currently recruiting applicants for service on its National Board of Directors. Dedicated to elevating and empowering those affected by obesity through education, advocacy and support, the OAC Board of Directors plays a vital role in the decision making and management of the organization.

The OAC recognizes the importance of building a diverse Board comprised of patients, family members, healthcare professionals and the public. As such, any individual who would like to get involved in making a difference in the obesity community is encouraged to apply.

For more information on how to apply and to view and download an application, please visit the OAC Web site.

According to RedNova News, the obesity epidemic is adding billions of dollars to the U.S. healthcare tab by increasing the prevalence of treated disease.

Between 1987 and 2002, the share of private health spending attributable to obesity soared more than tenfold, from $3.6 billion to $36.5 billion.

Want to write your health insurance company, congressional representative or the media to express your concerns about safe and effective treatment for obesity or morbid obesity? If so, you need to visit the "Advocacy" section of the OAC Web site. There you will find contact information for health insurance agencies, state-based obesity programs and links to locate your state representative.

Along with contact information, the "Advocacy" section offers sample letters to help you get started writing a letter of your own.

Visit the "Advocacy" section today and start becoming an effective advocate for improved access to care for the treatment of obesity and morbid obesity.

According to YAHOO! NEWS, men who are overweight are more likely than thinner men to be diagnosed with prostate cancers that are less likely to be detected on screening and more likely to be aggressive, according to a report in the medical journal Urology.