On February 5, 2026, leaders at the Florida State Capitol sent a powerful message: obesity prevention and treatment deserve serious attention.

State Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez hosted a press conference to highlight Senate Bill 1070 and House Bill 977, legislation designed to prevent and treat obesity-related chronic diseases among Florida’s state employees and their families. She was joined by State Representative Susan Valdés and Dr. Joey Jarrard of Tallahassee Bariatric Surgery to underscore the importance of early intervention, prevention and sustained, evidence-based treatment.

Why This Legislation Matters

Senate Bill 1070 and House Bill 977 would improve the current weight management pilot for state employees that is limited and has reached capacity with a comprehensive, accountable obesity management benefit that aligns with current clinical standards of care. If passed, the bill would allow state employees and their families to access comprehensive obesity care by directing the Department of Management Services to cover two mutually reinforcing pillars of treatment — intensive behavioral and lifestyle interventions and FDA-approved obesity management medications – in addition to current state employee coverage for metabolic and bariatric surgery.

For too long, obesity care has been treated as optional or cosmetic rather than essential. But obesity is a complex, chronic disease that increases the risk of more than 200 related conditions. Prevention, early intervention and access to comprehensive treatment are not just good health policy, they are smart economic policy.

By improving access to care for state employees and their families, this legislation recognizes that treating obesity helps reduce long-term healthcare costs, strengthens workforce productivity and improves quality of life.

A Step Forward for Florida

At OAC, we believe access to evidence-based obesity treatment should not depend on where you work, what you earn or the type of insurance you have. Legislation like SB 1070 and HB 977 represents meaningful progress toward closing gaps in care and ensuring that individuals have the tools and support they need to improve their health. We applaud Senator Rodriguez, Representative Valdés and the healthcare professionals who are using their voices to elevate this issue. Addressing obesity with comprehensive, science-based solutions is critical to improving health outcomes across Florida. This is what leadership looks like.

But the work is not over. Progress only moves forward when advocates speak up and demand lasting, accountable solutions. Florida’s state employees and their families deserve a strengthened, comprehensive obesity care model that delivers long-term health improvements, not temporary fixes. Now is the time to act. Use OAC’s advocacy tool to urge Florida lawmakers to strengthen the state employee health program and ensure access to comprehensive, evidence-based obesity care.