Last week, advocates from across the country came together for a powerful day of action during the Obesity Care Week (OCW) Virtual Hill Day, organized by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC). Patients and healthcare professionals joined forces to ensure lawmakers hear directly from those impacted by obesity and those working to improve care.

In total, over 70 advocates representing 20 states participated, holding 32 meetings with congressional offices to discuss the urgent need for improved access to obesity care and treatment.

Participants included individuals living with obesity as well as healthcare professionals such as physicians, mental health providers and registered dietitians — all united around a shared message: it’s time for Congress to Commit to Care.

During meetings, advocates urged lawmakers to:

  • Support the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA)
  • Fund the CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity (DNPAO) in Fiscal Year 2027
  • Communicate with constituents in their state about the CMS Bridge and Balance Models to expand coverage of GLP-1 medications under Medicare and Medicaid

These conversations are critical to advancing policies that improve access to evidence-based obesity care and reduce barriers that many individuals face today. For many participants, the experience reinforced that advocacy doesn’t require special credentials, just a willingness to share your story.

Tracy Norfleet, MD, FACP, DABOM, DipABLM, MBA, a physician, obesity medicine specialist and an individual with lived experience, reminded advocates during the event, “advocating is as easy as just talking.”

That message resonated throughout the day as participants shared personal experiences, discussed challenges accessing care and emphasized why comprehensive obesity treatment matters. The momentum from Virtual Hill Day is just one example of how OAC advocates are helping move obesity policy forward across the country.

Continue the Momentum at the Your Weight Matters National Convention

For those inspired to get involved in advocacy, the conversation continues this summer at the Your Weight Matters National Convention 2026. On Thursday during the Convention, attendees can participate in the National Advocacy Training, a session designed to help advocates turn passion into action.

Ready to make your voice heard where it matters most? This interactive training will show you how change happens at the national and state levels — and how you can be part of it. Attendees will learn how laws and policies shape obesity care, how to confidently share their stories with decision-makers and how OAC advocates are driving progress across the country. Whether you’re new to advocacy or ready to take the next step, you’ll leave energized, informed and ready to make an impact.

Explore the Convention website to learn more about the National Advocacy Training and everything happening at the Your Weight Matters National Convention this July.