OAC Blog

Important news this week! The Lancet Commission on Clinical Obesity released a global consensus report that changes how we define obesity. This new guidance, supported by more than 70 patient, professional and scientific groups—including the OAC—marks a significant shift in how obesity is understood, diagnosed and treated. We’re proud to share that OAC’s President and
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We are excited to welcome two incredible individuals to the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) Board of Directors in 2025! Both bring unique expertise and a deep passion for supporting the OAC’s mission to improve the lives of individuals affected by obesity. Meet Kesha Calicutt Kesha Calicutt is an educator, health advocate and founding member of
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As we close out the final days of 2024, we at the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) are taking a moment to reflect on a year filled with milestones and progress in advancing education, advocacy and support for individuals affected by obesity. This year’s work has not only built on past successes but also positioned us
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A Rare Diagnosis OAC Member Rick Hodgkins has lived with hypothalamic obesity (HyOb) for most of his life—a rare medical condition caused by damage or dysfunction to the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates hunger and energy balance. For Rick, this condition has meant grappling with weight bias and stigma at nearly every
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Under current law, Medicare’s prescription drug benefit (Part D) excludes “agents when used for anorexia, weight loss, or weight gain”. This exclusion has prevented Medicare from covering obesity medications and has allowed Medicaid plans to opt out of providing such coverage. For more than a decade, the OAC has pursued both legislative and regulatory pathways
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Obesity affects everyone differently, but for women, the impact can be more severe, as they face higher risks for related physical and mental health problems. A 2021 study in the Journal of Mid-Life Health found that women with obesity are twice as likely to die from related health issues compared to men with excess weight.
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Building on the collective strength of industry leaders committed to advancing obesity care and support, the OAC’s Corporate Council continues to grow as we welcome new and returning members who share our vision for a better for individuals affected by obesity. We’re honored to recognize the following companies for participating in OAC’s level of membership:
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tampa, FL — October 18, 2024 — This Thanksgiving week, the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) extends its gratitude to the Biden Administration for proposing a new rule significantly expanding access to obesity medications for Americans with Medicare and Medicaid coverage. “This is incredible. For more than a decade, the OAC, alongside partner
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The conversation around GLP-1 medications has grown louder in recent years, with these treatments showing great promise for managing obesity. However, challenges like supply shortages and affordability have created barriers for many individuals. In response, patients are turning to compounded GLP-1 medications as an alternative. Leading Conversations on GLP-1 Compounding At the Obesity Action Coalition
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ObesityWeek 2024 in San Antonio brought together more than 3,200 attendees to explore the latest science and policies around obesity. The OAC had the privilege of attending this esteemed conference once again, and we hosted a booth that engaged attendees with information about our mission, advocacy efforts and upcoming initiatives. Our new Stop Weight Bias
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The 2025 Open Enrollment period for many healthcare plans, including private insurance, Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans, Medicare and Medicaid, is now underway. Open Enrollment happens annually, giving you the chance to review your insurance coverage and make sure it meets your current healthcare needs. During this time, you can enroll in, re-enroll in, or
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At HLTH 2024, the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) unveiled its new bias-free obesity image gallery with the support of Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly). In a new interview with Lilly’s Jamie Coleman, Vice President, Brand Marketing, US Obesity, and OAC’s James Zervios, Chief Operating Officer, we explore why this image gallery was developed and the need
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