This year, the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) is celebrating a major milestone—our 20th Anniversary marking two decades of education, awareness, advocacy and support!

What started in 2005 as a small, passionate group of individuals determined to give a voice to individuals affected by obesity has grown into a powerful movement of more than 85,000 people finding support, accessing trusted education and using their voices to drive change.

Looking Back

OAC was founded on a simple but powerful belief: people affected by obesity deserve to be heard and supported. Elevated and empowered.

For the past two decades, we’ve:

  • Raised awareness of obesity as a chronic, complex disease.
  • Advocated for better access to obesity care and treatment.
  • Fought to end weight bias and discrimination in healthcare, media, employment, health policy and everyday life.
  • Provided trusted, science-based education on weight and health.
  • Built a welcoming Community where individuals can find support, resources and a place to belong.

Turning the Page

As we celebrate the amazing milestone that is OAC’s 20th Anniversary, we’re reflecting not just on where we’ve been and how far we’ve come—we’re focused on where we’re going. There are more lives to impact, more voices to empower and more change to create. And all that starts with you!

Here’s How You Can Take Action Right Now:

  • Help Us Grow Our Community by 20,000 Members—Our Community is already 85,000 strong, but we’re aiming even higher. Help us grow by 20,000 Members this year and surpass 100,000! OAC Community Membership is free—join today if you haven’t already and invite someone you know to join, too!

Already an OAC Community Member? Upgrade to Community+ for just $20 in honor of our 20th Anniversary and unlock exclusive benefits!

  • Donate $20 for 20 Years—For two decades, OAC has been the nation’s leading voice for people affected by obesity. A $20 donation today honors this journey and fuels the next 20 years of education, awareness, advocacy and support.
  • Join the Celebration—We’ve created a special 20th Anniversary page where you can reflect on our journey, see what’s ahead and find ways to get involved throughout the year. We will continue to update this page regularly.

OAC Community Members stand together at the 2023 National ConventionEvery member, advocate, supporter and donor has played a role in shaping the OAC’s 20-year journey. This milestone comes at an exciting time in the obesity space. We’re witnessing a radical shift in how obesity is understood and addressed around the world. More people recognize obesity as a chronic, complex disease, innovative treatment options are emerging and policymakers are beginning to take meaningful steps toward equitable and affordable access to obesity care.

The OAC has been at the forefront of this progress—leading public conversations, driving daily efforts and working tirelessly behind the scenes to create change. With your support, the next 20 years will bring even more accomplishments to look back on!

Visit ObesityAction.org/20years for more 20th Anniversary-related updates.