The Obesity Action Coalition, the Partnership to Advance Cardiovascular Health and more than 40 healthcare and advocacy organizations are urging the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to expand coverage and access to semaglutide for the treatment of obesity.

We applaud CMS’s recent decision to cover obesity medications for patients with existing, high-risk cardiovascular disease, but CMS must take proactive steps to expand coverage for medications used to treat obesity to make a positive impact on the health of millions of Americans.

Obesity is a disease that can lead to serious health conditions like heart disease, diabetes and more. Obesity significantly increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the United States, responsible for nearly 700,000 deaths each year.

Recent research has shown that semaglutide can be an effective treatment for obesity. It has been proven to help people lose weight and improve important health markers like blood pressure, cholesterol levels and blood sugar control. Treating obesity is not just about losing weight – it’s about improving overall health and reducing the risk of serious complications like heart disease.

We believe that everyone should have access to the tools they need to manage their health effectively, including effective treatments for obesity, and we appreciate the support we’ve received from groups like the Partnership to Advance Cardiovascular Health that understand the critical link between obesity, heart disease and other health conditions.

CMS has the opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives, and we hope it will listen to our call and take proactive steps to expand coverage for comprehensive obesity care. By working together, we can ensure a healthier future for all!