Cherie’s Journey from Patient to Advocate

What Inspired Me to Become an Advocate Cherie Desjardin’s advocacy journey began in 2013, when she underwent gastric bypass surgery through a small program with minimal post-operative follow-up. As a healthcare professional, she had the knowledge and support to navigate her recovery—but she quickly realized that most patients without that background faced a very different
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Sometimes, revisiting the past can be painful — but it can also bring healing. That’s what happened for Jess at this year’s Your Weight Matters National Convention. He came seeking connection and support for himself, but what he found in the Thrive Together Program went far deeper: a chance to witness young people experiencing the
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OAC and Our Support of Legislation on Compounding by Joe Nadglowski Why does OAC engage so actively in discussions about compounded medications? It might be easier for OAC to stay quiet on compounding. We could choose not to engage. But we believe silence would be irresponsible and that individuals affected by obesity need to know
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OAC Statement About Grey Market GLP-1 Products and Safe Obesity Care People in our Community are doing everything they can to improve their health while living with the chronic disease of obesity. But the reality is that long-term obesity management is made harder by a healthcare system that limits access to safe, effective treatment options.
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Nicholas has navigated serious health challenges since childhood, including rapid weight gain tied to a rare genetic condition. Despite healthy habits and an active lifestyle, he still faced frustrating barriers to accessing additional treatments he needed, from GLP-1 medication to bariatric surgery, to help him move forward in his health journey. With perseverance, the steady
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Every day, families across the country face the challenges of obesity and the stigma that too often comes with it. But because of supporters like you, they don’t have to face it alone. The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) is working toward a future where every person has access to compassionate care, evidence-based treatment and a
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We’ve all experienced moments when we needed support — and moments when someone else needed ours. That’s the power of community, and OAC Member Lisa Hernandez embodies it in everything she does. Known for her kindness, resilience and the warmth she brings to every interaction, Lisa has become a steady source of encouragement for others
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As a young teen, John faced serious health challenges caused by excess weight, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), prediabetes and severe sleep apnea. Even simple activities caused pain and exhaustion, and relentless bullying at school pushed him into isolation, leaving him three grades behind. Determined to help her son, John’s mom, Karen, tried diets,
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Tampa, FL — As the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) closes its 20th anniversary year, the organization celebrates two decades of empowering individuals affected by obesity through education, advocacy, awareness and community support. “Celebrating 20 years is incredible, but what really drives me is the people whose lives we’ve touched,” said Joe Nadglowski, OAC President and
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Tampa, FL., December 1, 2025 – Statement from Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) President and CEO Joe Nadglowski: “The World Health Organization’s new recommendation for GLP-1 medications as part of a long-term treatment strategy for obesity is a significant milestone in recognizing obesity as a chronic, treatable disease. These medications, which can help reduce weight and
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For most of her life, Liz Paul carried the heavy burden of blame. “Everyone told me I had a problem,” Liz recalls. “Doctors, family, society — they all said, ‘Why don’t you just fix it?’ I spent decades gaining and losing hundreds of pounds, always believing it was my fault.” For 37 years, no one
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This December, Your Weight Matters Regional is coming to Memphis, and the city is officially joining in the celebration. On Saturday, December 6, 2025, the Your Weight Matters Regional event will take place at the Hilton Memphis, offering a free half-day of trusted education, expert speakers and practical tools to help individuals take charge of
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