OAC Blog

The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) is proud to share that a research project conducted in partnership with EfficientCME has been recognized as a Top Poster/Abstract Winner at the 2026 Obesity Medicine Association Annual Conference. The study explored how people living with obesity and primary care providers view obesity diagnosis and treatment today. Supported by an educational
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Recent conversations surrounding Southwest Airlines’ updated Customer of Size policy have sparked national attention and renewed discussions about accessibility, dignity and fairness in air travel for people affected by obesity. As reported by multiple outlets, including Simple Flying and ABC News, Southwest may now reconsider aspects of its revised policy following significant public backlash and
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This May, the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) dedicated Mental Health Awareness Month to an important and often overlooked conversation: the connection between obesity, mental health and internalized weight bias through its “Care From the Inside Out” campaign. For many people affected by obesity, the hardest conversations are not always the ones happening in public. Sometimes,
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In March, legislation was introduced in Minnesota that would have removed Medicaid coverage for GLP-1 medications when prescribed for weight loss. The Obesity Action Coalition, alongside partner organizations, quickly mobilized advocates to submit testimony and public comments ahead of the hearing. Minnesota OAC Board Members Debe Gau and Liz Paul both provided written testimony, helping
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Earlier this month, members of the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) joined fellow advocates, healthcare professionals and coalition partners in California for two important advocacy events focused on improving access to obesity care and treatment. California Chronic Care Coalition Day of Action On May 6, advocates participated in the California Chronic Care Coalition’s Day of Action,
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The Obesity Action Coalition’s Your Weight Matters National Convention is back—July 23–25, 2026 in Orlando, Florida—and this year is all about connection, clarity and momentum. If you’ve ever thought about attending, this is your moment. Here’s why: #1 – Science-Based Education You Can Actually Use At YWM2026, you’ll experience trusted, science-based education delivered in a
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There has been a lot of information shared recently about Medicare and obesity medications (GLP-1s). Here’s what we know right now from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).  The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge is a temporary program designed to help people with Medicare access GLP-1 medications used as part of obesity care. Because Medicare
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It wasn’t that long ago that Southwest Airlines was considered a beacon of accessibility, resting soundly above their competitors. A far-cry from their position a decade ago, when it took enough bad press and the threat of lawsuits to prioritize basic passenger dignity. A hard lesson now seemingly abandoned.  While other airlines made flying a
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New research presented this weekend at the Obesity Medicine Association meeting in San Diego, CA highlights a clear message: patients’ experiences must be at the center of how we improve obesity care. Co-authored by Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) team members Lisa Gresco-White, Director of Membership and Development and Michelle “Shelly” Vicari, Director of Programs along
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For many attendees, the Obesity Action Coalition’s Your Weight Matters National Convention is more than a conference. It is a place where people feel seen, understood and supported, often for the first time.  But for some, the cost of attending is a real barrier. The Rob Portinga Memorial Scholarship Fund helps remove that barrier, opening
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My first experience of flying with Southwest Airlines left a lasting impression; one that for years made me vow to never fly the airline again. In September 2015, I was excited to travel from Fort Lauderdale to Chicago Midway to visit my boyfriend. Like many travelers, I approached the ticket counter anticipating the start of
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“Love and support became the fuel that carried me through the hardest moments of my journey.” Joshua Garson’s journey is a powerful reminder that improving your health is about more than numbers. Today, he embraces a lifestyle grounded in well-being, self-care and a deeper connection to himself and others. His story shows that meaningful change
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