OAC Blog

For years, Carol tried different approaches to manage her weight. She tried keto, cutting out carbohydrates and even severely restricting how much she ate. Some approaches worked for a while, but they were difficult to maintain. Then, during a routine physical, her doctor offered her Zepbound. “It was a game changer,” Carol said. For the
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PepsiCo has reportedly decided to end coverage of GLP-1 medications used for weight loss for some employees beginning in October. These medications are science-based treatments for obesity, a complex, chronic disease, with weight loss being one outcome of treatment. Restricting coverage threatens access to medically necessary obesity care. The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) is calling
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Story from OAC Member Meladee N. If you had asked me years ago whether I thought I would spend decades searching for the right obesity treatment, my answer would have been a definite “yes.” Over the course of my life, I followed commercial weight-loss programs, medically supervised diets and plans that promised lasting results. My
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As employers across the country weigh the cost of covering GLP-1 medications for obesity, Bank of America is taking a different approach: keep providing access, work to bring costs down and view obesity treatment as an investment in employees. The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) applauds that approach. Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan recently told
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For more than a decade, Patty Nece has been part of the OAC Community. But before finding OAC, talking about her weight was something she avoided. “I was too embarrassed and ashamed,” Patty said. “I felt like a failure because I couldn’t manage my weight on my own.” Through OAC, Patty began learning more about
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When Cheryl first heard about the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program, she immediately began researching. She printed guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), scheduled an appointment with her primary care physician and arrived with the information she believed they would need to understand the new program. Her physician had not heard of
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What We’re Learning and Why It Matters For years, the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) has advocated for a simple principle: People affected by obesity deserve access to science-based treatment just as people living with other chronic diseases do. On July 1, 2026, Medicare took an important step in that direction with the launch of the
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The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) and the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) worked together to create Talking With Your Healthcare Professional About Obesity, Health & Aging, a practical guide for older adults and their families. Obesity can affect mobility, independence and quality of life. The guide helps older adults consider their personal health goals and
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Starbucks has built a reputation for offering strong employee benefits. Just last month, the company highlighted an independent analysis from Aon that ranked Starbucks No. 1 in overall hourly benefits value among more than 60 U.S. retail companies. That is why a newly reported change to its health coverage is especially concerning. Beginning in October,
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For years, the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) has advocated for common-sense patient safety reforms to strengthen oversight of compounded medications. OAC has consistently urged policymakers to improve transparency, strengthen adverse event reporting, enhance regulatory oversight and ensure people understand exactly what medication they are receiving. At the same time, OAC has been clear about why
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Creating meaningful change requires collaboration. The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) is grateful for the companies and organizations that invest in our mission and help advance education, advocacy, awareness and support for people affected by obesity. OAC’s Corporate Council brings together leaders across healthcare, research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical development and other sectors who share a commitment to
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Three years after beginning obesity treatment, Karen isn’t interested in talking about her weight. She wants to talk about walking. At 76 years old, Karen walks a mile and a half every day, goes to the gym four to five times a week for light strength and resistance training, travels to visit family and friends
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