Tampa, Fla. – Today, the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) applauds the American Medical Association (AMA) on supporting patient access to evidence-based treatments for the disease of obesity. The passage of AMA’s Resolution 111 – Patient Access to Evidence-based Obesity Services allows for the AMA to support advocacy efforts to improve access to evidence-based obesity treatments for those affected by this disease.

“Last year, the AMA’s declaration of obesity as a disease greatly elevated the issue of obesity. With today’s announcement, we’re hopeful that healthcare providers will now utilize evidence-based treatments for obesity, such as behavioral counselling, obesity medications and bariatric surgery, when combating this disease. In addition, we are now confident that our continued advocacy efforts will make an impact in improving access.

More than 93 million Americans are impacted by the disease of obesity, and with more than 50,000 members nationwide, the OAC knows first-hand that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to treating obesity. The need for coverage of evidence-based treatments is critical in helping those impacted,” said Joe Nadglowski, OAC President and CEO.

The OAC proudly supports the efforts of all our partners in the obesity community (American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, The Obesity Society, American Society of Bariatric Physicians, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, American College of Surgeons, and the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons) in working with the AMA to reach this decision. Moving forward, it will be essential for all groups to continue working together and to treat individuals impacted by the disease of obesity.

About the OAC
The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC), a nearly 50,000 member-strong National nonprofit organization, is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by the disease of obesity through education, advocacy and support. To learn more about the OAC, please visit www.ObesityAction.org.