Earlier this month, members of the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) joined fellow advocates, healthcare professionals and coalition partners in California for two important advocacy events focused on improving access to obesity care and treatment.

California Chronic Care Coalition Day of Action

On May 6, advocates participated in the California Chronic Care Coalition’s Day of Action, meeting directly with legislative offices to encourage support for the California Obesity Treatment Parity Act (SB 535).

This legislation would require health insurance plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, to provide coverage for comprehensive obesity treatments. The bill includes coverage for:

  • Intensive behavioral therapy
  • Bariatric surgery
  • FDA-approved obesity medications, including GLP-1 medications

Advocates shared the importance of equitable access to science-based obesity care, highlighted the impact that treatment barriers can have on individuals living with obesity and stressed that obesity should be given the same level of care and treatment as other chronic diseases.

Advocating for Medi-Cal Coverage During ADA Day

The next day on May 7, OAC cohosted ADA Day with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and The Obesity Society (TOS), bringing together advocates to speak with legislative offices about the need to reinstate Medi-Cal coverage for GLP-1 medications prescribed for obesity treatment. This coverage ended in January 2026, creating significant barriers to care for Californians who were effectively managing their health.

During the morning session, OAC Action Team member Shekinah  participated in a panel discussion, sharing personal insight and the importance of patient voices in shaping obesity policy and healthcare access.

OAC Action Team members from California Shekinah Samaya-Thomas, Kevin Stephens and Dr. Natalie Muth, MD, MPH, RDN, FAAP also participated in meetings throughout the day, helping educate lawmakers about the need for comprehensive, science-based obesity care and emphasizing that people deserve access to treatment before developing additional health complications.

The Power of Advocacy

Events like these highlight the impact advocates can make when they come together to share lived experiences and push for meaningful policy change. OAC remains committed to fighting for improved access to obesity treatment and ensuring individuals living with obesity are treated with dignity, compassion and evidence-based care. To learn more about OAC’s advocacy efforts and make your voice heard, join the OAC Action Teams and help shape policies that improve access to care and fight weight stigma in your state.