6 Reasons to Attend the 2026 Your Weight Matters National Convention

The Obesity Action Coalition’s Your Weight Matters National Convention is back—July 23–25, 2026 in Orlando, Florida—and this year is all about connection, clarity and momentum. If you’ve ever thought about attending, this is your moment. Here’s why: #1 – Science-Based Education You Can Actually Use At YWM2026, you’ll experience trusted, science-based education delivered in a
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There has been a lot of information shared recently about Medicare and obesity medications (GLP-1s). Here’s what we know right now from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).  The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge is a temporary program designed to help people with Medicare access GLP-1 medications used as part of obesity care. Because Medicare
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It wasn’t that long ago that Southwest Airlines was considered a beacon of accessibility, resting soundly above their competitors. A far-cry from their position a decade ago, when it took enough bad press and the threat of lawsuits to prioritize basic passenger dignity. A hard lesson now seemingly abandoned.  While other airlines made flying a
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 16, 2026                 Obesity Action Coalition Calls on Southwest Airlines to Standardize Customer of Size Policy Following Reports of Passenger Mistreatment Tampa, FL — The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) is calling on Southwest Airlines to immediately establish clear, consistent and respectful standards for its
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New research presented this weekend at the Obesity Medicine Association meeting in San Diego, CA highlights a clear message: patients’ experiences must be at the center of how we improve obesity care. Co-authored by Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) team members Lisa Gresco-White, Director of Membership and Development and Michelle “Shelly” Vicari, Director of Programs along
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For many attendees, the Obesity Action Coalition’s Your Weight Matters National Convention is more than a conference. It is a place where people feel seen, understood and supported, often for the first time.  But for some, the cost of attending is a real barrier. The Rob Portinga Memorial Scholarship Fund helps remove that barrier, opening
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My first experience of flying with Southwest Airlines left a lasting impression; one that for years made me vow to never fly the airline again. In September 2015, I was excited to travel from Fort Lauderdale to Chicago Midway to visit my boyfriend. Like many travelers, I approached the ticket counter anticipating the start of
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“Love and support became the fuel that carried me through the hardest moments of my journey.” Joshua Garson’s journey is a powerful reminder that improving your health is about more than numbers. Today, he embraces a lifestyle grounded in well-being, self-care and a deeper connection to himself and others. His story shows that meaningful change
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State employees in Wisconsin just accomplished a major win. The Wisconsin Group Insurance Board recently made the decision to help state employees get the medical care they need. Starting in 2027, the state health plan will cover obesity medications like GLP-1s.  For the first time, Wisconsin employees will be able to access obesity medications, like
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Obesity care is moving forward in ways never previously seen. While bariatric and metabolic surgery have been available treatment options for more than a decade for patients with severe obesity, current options, including endoscopic procedures have expanded access to treatment to millions more patients. With more treatment options becoming available, insurance companies are catching up
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Last week, advocates from across the country came together for a powerful day of action during the Obesity Care Week (OCW) Virtual Hill Day, organized by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC). Patients and healthcare professionals joined forces to ensure lawmakers hear directly from those impacted by obesity and those working to improve care. In total,
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The Cost of Flying as a Person of Size Airplane passenger shaming racks up millions of views and it’s not uncommon to see a person in a larger body being the subject of mass online ridicule. There are few people who work harder than me to avoid being the star of one of those videos.
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