Support can transform a journey, and for OAC Board Member Michele Tedder, it completely changed hers. Michele’s path with obesity has included decades of challenges, from childhood weight struggles to navigating the complex world of bariatric surgery and chronic health care. Through it all, finding a community that understood her experiences made all the difference.

Michele’s journey with weight began early in life, marked by repeated failed attempts at losing weight and the frustration of being misunderstood by healthcare providers. “I felt like my weight struggles were my own fault,” she says. “I just needed to exercise more and eat less, which I was already doing.” At the time, Michele didn’t see obesity as a disease — a misunderstanding that left her feeling isolated and discouraged.

Her perspective shifted when she discovered the Obesity Action Coalition in 2018, about a year after bariatric surgery. Through the OAC, Michele found her tribe. The support, education and connections she gained validated her experiences and empowered her to become a stronger advocate for others living with obesity. “Meeting people who shared the same frustrations and experiences as me was life-changing,” she says. “I finally felt like I belonged.”

Michele’s first OAC National Convention ignited her passion for advocacy. She met new friends, networked with professionals and accessed resources that helped her understand obesity as a disease requiring personalized care and multiple strategies. Even during the pandemic, the OAC adapted to virtual platforms, expanding access and keeping the community connected.

Her journey hasn’t been without challenges. In 2021, Michele faced an unexpected health detour when a cancerous tumor was discovered on her kidney, requiring partial removal surgery. The experience taught her an invaluable lesson in self-compassion. “It’s so much easier to give kindness to others than to receive it,” she reflects. “I’ve learned to celebrate the small things and honor my body for the resilience it has shown.”

Through it all, Michele emphasizes that success isn’t defined by the scale but by commitment, self-acceptance and consistently taking steps toward health. Her story is a reminder that the journey with obesity is lifelong, but no one has to navigate it alone.

With your support, Michele and others gain:

  • Trusted science-based education and resources
  • Support programs for families, teens and the OAC Community
  • Awareness and reducing weight bias and stigma
  • Fuel advocacy efforts for fair, accessible and science-based care

Be part of the movement that changes lives. Donate now: www.obesityaction.org/promise

Power the Next Chapter of Change!

Your gift today helps build a brighter, more compassionate and more accessible future for every person living with obesity. And because of the Board Match, every dollar you give becomes two — multiplying your impact.

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