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 told Liz the truth about obesity. Not until she found the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC).

In 2018, Liz attended her first Your Weight Matters National Convention thanks to an OAC scholarship, and everything changed.

“It was the first time anyone told me obesity is a disease. Hearing ‘it’s not your fault, but it is your responsibility’ changed the course of my life.”

That moment inspired a calling.

Today, Liz advocates for access to care, educates healthcare professionals and helps patients find respect, evidence-based treatments and community support.

“OAC has been a lifeline,” Liz says. “Obesity is a chronic disease I’ll live with my whole life, but now I have the support and tools to keep striving toward better health. That has made all the difference.”

Why Your Action Matters

For 20 years, OAC has worked to replace stigma with understanding and transform the way obesity is treated.

Your support helps people like Liz:

  • Dispel shame and learn the science behind obesity
  • Access compassionate medical care
  • Join a community that empowers them to advocate for themselves
  • Feel seen, supported, and understood

Because nobody should face obesity alone.

As we celebrate 20 years of progress, your action today ensures OAC can continue its promise: to educate, support, and advocate for millions of people who deserve compassionate, science-based care.

Give Today. Imagine a Brighter Future for People Living with Obesity.

Donate now and help write the next chapter: www.obesityaction.org/promise

Power the Next Chapter of Change!

Your gift today helps build a brighter, more compassionate and more accessible future for every person living with obesity. And because of the Board Match, every dollar you give becomes two — multiplying your impact.

Donate Now & Double Your Impact!