News Releases

Nashville, TN – On September 14, 2007, Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen declared September 29, 2007 as “Walk to Prevent Obesity Day.” The proclamation details Tennessee’s ranking nationally as sixth in regards to obesity with 28.8 percent of the population considered to have obesity. In addition, it discusses the efforts of the American Society for Metabolic
Read Article

Tampa, FL – On Saturday, September 29, 2007, the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Foundation and Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) are set to host the 2007 Tampa Bay “Walk from Obesity” at Westfield Citrus Park in Tampa, Fla. This weekend, in more than 70 cities across the United States, those affected by
Read Article

Gainesville, Fla. – On Saturday, September 29, 2007, the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Foundation and Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) are set to host the 2007 “Walk from Obesity” in more than 70 cities across the United States. This weekend, those affected by the disease of obesity will join forces and walk
Read Article

Tampa, Fla. – In light of recent studies in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) demonstrating a powerful connection between obesity interventions and reduced deaths, the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) calls on insurers and employers to increase access to the treatments of obesity and morbid obesity. In one study, led by Ted D. Adams,
Read Article

Gainesville, Fla. – In September and October 2007 in more than 70 cities across the United States, those affected by the disease of obesity will join forces and walk to raise money for education, research, advocacy, prevention and treatment of obesity. At this year’s Walk, friends, family members, colleagues and supporters of those who are
Read Article

Tampa, FL – The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) is pleased to announce the release of its newest patient-focused brochure, titled “Understanding Obesity Stigma.” This free brochure was created in partnership with the Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity and is designed to provide individuals with an understanding of obesity stigma in areas such as
Read Article

Tampa, FL – The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) is proud to celebrate its two-year anniversary as one of the leading patient-focused nonprofit obesity organizations. Throughout the past year, the OAC accomplished tremendous strides in the obesity community. With the introduction of the OAC’s “Understanding Obesity” series, the OAC continues to provide an excellent source of
Read Article

Tampa , FL – Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) President and CEO, Joseph Nadglowski, Jr., testified Wednesday before the Utah Health and Human Services Interim Committee on access to safe and effective obesity interventions. The hearing was co-chaired by Senator D. Chris Buttars and Representative Paul Ray. Mr. Nadglowski detailed the severity of obesity and demonstrated
Read Article

Tampa , FL – The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) is excited to announce the election of Jim Fivecoat as chairman of the OAC. Mr. Fivecoat is a weight-loss surgery patient and underwent gastric bypass surgery in 2003. Mr. Fivecoat brings knowledge of how the benefit process works with major employers and an immense passion to
Read Article

Tampa, FL – Today, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee eliminated their IQ testing requirement for those seeking weight-loss surgery. In recent weeks, the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) has advocated for BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee to remove the IQ testing on the basis of it perpetuating the negative stigma associated with obesity and discriminating against those affected
Read Article

Tampa , FL –The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) is calling on Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Tennessee to immediately cease its requirement for IQ testing for patients with severe obesity seeking access to weight-loss surgery. The OAC believes that Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Tennessee is the first insurer to require an IQ test to access any
Read Article

Tampa , FL – The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) is excited to announce the release of its “Understanding Obesity” series. The “Understanding Obesity” series is comprised of three brochures, titled “Understanding Obesity,” “Understanding Childhood Obesity” and “Understanding Morbid Obesity,” and two 18×24 full color posters. The brochures each separately provide an in-depth look at obesity,
Read Article