On Wednesday, April 10, OAC President and CEO Joe Nadglowski spoke at the 4th World Congress on Interventional Therapies for Type 2 Diabetes (WCITD) in New York.

This groundbreaking conference joined many major scientific organizations from around the globe to discuss social stigma as it relates to obesity and diabetes, as well as barriers that prevent patients from receiving bariatric surgery as a safe and proven treatment option for both diseases. We’re excited to have added our voice to these global conversations!

About the Congress

WCITD 2019 is a three-day forum organized in partnership with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) that successfully elevated conversations around obesity, type 2 diabetes and what more we can do to help patients affected by them.

Alongside the OAC, more than 10 leading industry organizations collaborated to analyze and improve both care and treatment for both type 2 diabetes and obesity by:

  • Understanding and eradicating the root causes of social stigma
  • Understanding and fixing barriers for eligible patients wanting to access bariatric surgery to treat type 2 diabetes and/or obesity

Putting OAC’s Stamp on WCITD 2019

The OAC is excited to have presented at WCITD because we know just how pervasive social stigma and trouble accessing appropriate healthcare can be for people affected by obesity – and it’s our mission to help understand and improve these issues.

Stigma and Obesity

Obesity discrimination is common in the workplace and in education, but also in healthcare. Research shows that stigma can cause physical and psychological consequences that even prevent people from seeking care they might really need. Despite common perceptions, obesity is not a choice dictated by simple behaviors. It is a complex and chronic disease that needs to be better understood without stigma getting in the way.

Access to Care and Obesity

The OAC also recognizes that trouble accessing life-changing procedures like bariatric surgery prevents many from effectively treating and managing their obesity. According to a study referenced at WCITD 2019, in most countries (USA included), fewer than 0.9 percent of eligible patients have access to surgery for type 2 diabetes and obesity – despite its effectiveness and cost-savings. Those numbers speak for themselves and the need for better education and policy.

It is truly a privilege for us to add our voice to these global conversations. It’s important for the OAC to be a part of changing policies, practices, and the way that healthcare providers, patients and the public think about diabetes and obesity. We’re honored to have collaborated with stakeholders in the diabetes space at WCITD, and also for what’s to come in the future of care and treatment!