Obesity Action Coalition - OAC

Childhood obesity is more than just a number on a scale — it's a complex disease that needs understanding and compassion. At the OAC, we want all children to feel valued and supported, no matter their weight.

Join us during as we share helpful resources for families, professionals and communities to encourage understanding and action.

Childhood Obesity Awareness Month - Obesity Action Coalition Join the OAC in Raising Awareness and Supporting Families for Childhood Obesity Awareness Month Childhood obesity affects more than 14.4 million children and teens across the U.S., impacting their health and wellbeing in profound ways. At the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC), we recognize the challeng...

starts today!

At the OAC, we're committed to changing the conversation about childhood obesity by focusing on support, not stigma. Obesity is a complex, chronic disease, and all children and families deserve understanding and compassion. 💚

This month, we'll be sharing valuable resources, stories and information to raise awareness and provide support. Visit our website to learn more and follow us for updates!

👪 https://www.obesityaction.org/childhood-obesity/

📢 Join Us for this Important Conversation!
September 4, 2024, 2 PM EST

The OAC is proud to participate in a conversation addressing the rising prevalence of obesity among our service members. As obesity-related conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and osteoarthritis continue to impact our Armed Forces, learn from top national security and obesity care experts about how we can better support the health and readiness of our service members.

Tracy Zvenyach, OAC's Director of Policy Strategy and Alliances, will be among the leading experts discussing the unique challenges faced by the military and the urgent need for recognizing and treating obesity as a disease within the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs.

Register:

Experts Weigh In: Fighting Military Obesity in 2024 Four leading experts will share the best practices and critical insights that our armed services need to fight obesity in 2024.

Thank you Form Health Health for supporting the OAC at the Patron level of our Corporate Council! We're honored by your commitment to our mission and grateful for the personalized, evidence-based approach you take to providing obesity care.

To learn more about OAC's Corporate Council, visit: https://www.obesityaction.org/corporate-council/

With Make-A-Will Month ending, have you thought about the impact you want to leave behind? A planned gift to OAC can help ensure future generations benefit from the same empowerment that made a difference in your life. Your legacy can light the way for others. 💙

https://www.obesityaction.org/ways-to-give/planned-giving/

September is just around the corner, which is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Throughout the month, the OAC will share various resources and action opportunities to raise awareness about childhood obesity and support children and families affected.

In one of our previous Fresh Perspectives episodes, OAC Community Member Faith Newsome shares her personal experiences growing up with obesity and offers great advice to adolescents and teens dealing with weight-based bullying.

Give it a watch! 👀

Childhood Obesity Awareness Month // Fresh Perspectives /// Faith Newsome In the inaugural episode of OAC TV's Fresh Perspectives, the OAC interviews patient advocate and OCEANS President Faith Newsome. Faith shares her experiences...

It's always rewarding to see a positive message like this one make its way into media headlines on the topic of obesity.

The OAC applauds the Biden Administration for taking steps to make obesity care more affordable and accessible! This is a significant step forward in a national effort to enhance care and support for the more than 100 million Americans affected by obesity. In addition to celebrating this awesome victory, we also need to keep up the momentum! 🎉🙌

Read OAC's press release for our full response and to see how you can help advocate for change: https://bit.ly/3WXJDX6

Statement from President Biden on the Price of Anti-Obesity Medications | The White House Americans pay two to three times more than people in other countries for the exact same prescription drugs. It’s completely unacceptable. Vice President

Join the OAC Community or Community+ Today!

By joining the OAC Community (FREE) or Community+ ($25/year), you become part of a diverse and inclusive group dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those affected by obesity.

Here’s what you can expect as a member:

🌟 Get Educated: Gain access to the latest science-based information about obesity and educate yourself and others on the complexities of the disease.

🌟 Find Support: We have both in-person and virtual ways to connect where you can build meaningful relationships and be part of a community that understands and supports you.

🌟 Take Action: Join us in advocating for change and take action on important issues that impact the lives of people living with obesity. Your involvement helps amplify the voices of many, strengthens our collective efforts, and supports the OAC’s mission to empower those affected by obesity.

Visit the link to learn more about OAC's Community and Community+ Membership: https://www.obesityaction.org/community

Changing perceptions starts with challenging myths. What’s one myth about obesity you no longer believe? Share with us! 💬

August is Make A Will Month! 💙

As we wind down the month, have you taken advantage of the FREE will-making service that OAC is offering? Yes, it's completely free, even if you decide not to make a legacy gift to the OAC.

It's easy: https://www.obesityaction.org/ways-to-give/planned-giving

This is a great opportunity to ensure your values and impact live on. By creating a legally binding will through OAC's planned giving options, you can secure your family's future and support the causes you care about most. 💚

Today, we honor and celebrate our very own Senior Membership Manager, Lisa Gresco-White, who has dedicated 17 years to the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC)! 🌟

Lisa's commitment, passion, and unwavering dedication to our mission have been a driving force behind our community's growth. From day one, she has gone above and beyond to support our members.💚

Join us in congratulating Lisa on this awesome milestone!! Drop a comment below to share your favorite memory or send her some love! 🥳

Did You Miss Our Recent Panel Discussion? You're in luck! The video from our co-hosted panel, "Empowering Women Living with Obesity: A Review of the Insurance Landscape, Resources, and Helpful Information," is now available!

In this panel, experts shared tips and valuable information to help women living with obesity navigate their health and understand the health insurance landscape better.

Thank you to our co-hosts and our panelists for making this event possible:

💠Christine Gallagher, MPAff (STOP Obesity Alliance)
💠Michele Tedder, MSN, RN (Black Women’s Health Imperative)
💠Tracy Zvenyach, PhD (Obesity Action Coalition)

👉 Watch now to catch up on all the important information and empowering advice: https://youtu.be/Z-KnRIdmjus?si=miBK6ILuBGyD3x9M

A big thank you to Structure Therapeutics for supporting OAC at the Bronze level of our Corporate Council! Your commitment to creating life-changing medicines for everyone helps us continue our work to support those affected by obesity.

Learn more about OAC's Corporate Council, our highest level of membership: https://www.obesityaction.org/ways-to-give/corporate-support/

— This is Sarah B., one of the most dedicated advocates you'll ever meet! Sarah has been an active part of the OAC Community for more than a decade, and she has a special place in her heart for helping people get access to obesity care and treatment options - among other talents! She often goes with the OAC to Capitol Hill to speak with legislative offices about insurance coverage and recognizing obesity as a chronic disease that deserves respect, understanding and a comprehensive approach to treatment.

Are you interested in advocating with the OAC and using your voice to drive change? Here's a great place to get started. ⬇️ We also have other advocates to help you! https://www.obesityaction.org/action-center/getting-started/

The OAC is in Greenville, SC today for Your Weight Matters Regional! This half-day event is designed to provide free, high-quality education about weight and health to support individuals on their weight management journey.

Find out when we're coming to a city near you at https://www.yourweightmatters.com.

Have you or a loved one ever experienced weight bias in healthcare? Have you ever felt dismissed, ignored or not taken seriously because of your weight or size?

This, unfortunately, happens a lot to people living with . The members in our community often express extreme anxiety and feelings of humiliation when visiting their doctor, even for routine medical appointments. On the OAC Blog, Tara, one of our members, talks about her personal experience with medical weight bias and shares how she took action to advocate for herself.

Read now: https://www.obesityaction.org/standing-up-to-weight-bias-in-healthcare-taras-story/

Hey Greenville, South Carolina: Join Us TOMORROW for the Your Weight Matters Regional Event

Saturday, August 24th, 2024
8 AM to Noon

Embassy Suites by Hilton Greenville Golf Resort & Conference Center
Palmetto Club Room
670 Verdae Blvd
Greenville, SC 29607

This FREE event is designed to provide you with high-quality, science-based education on weight management and health improvement.

https://www.yourweightmatters.com/greenville/

Highlights include:
Insights from trusted experts
Effective weight management strategies
Information about the latest treatments
Best practices in nutrition
Understanding the role of mental health in weight management
And more!

🎉 Enjoy FREE registration, breakfast, parking, and giveaways

Greenville - Your Weight Matters Regional Introducing Your Weight Matters Greenville, A Free Weight and Health Event Begin your journey to improved health with quality, science-based education delivered by experts you can trust. At Your Weight Matters Greenville, you’ll explore a wide range of topics, from weight management to nutrition a...

Our service members deserve the best support to stay healthy and strong. Save the date for an upcoming American Security Project webinar on September 4th featuring Tracy Zvenyach, PhD, MS, RN, OAC Director of Policy Strategy and Alliances, and other experts as we explore new approaches for enhancing the health and readiness of our military.

⬇️ Register now!

Experts Weigh In: Fighting Military Obesity in 2024 Four leading experts will share the best practices and critical insights that our armed services need to fight obesity in 2024.

⏰ 1 Hour Reminder!

Join us in just 1 hour for this month's OAC Health Talk!

Don’t miss out on this important conversation. Watch LIVE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pv1sUsnXClU

See you soon! 👀

Understanding Eating Disorders & Obesity - Health Talks Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that impact millions of individuals and often intersect with obesity in unexpected ways. In this OAC He...

🚨 Advocacy Update: TROA Continues to Gain Momentum!

We’re thrilled to share that three new cosponsors were added to the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA) in July! 🎉

Congress may be on recess during August, but this is the perfect time to keep the pressure on. Congressional offices are still open, so reach out to your members and urge them to cosponsor TROA! It's easy: https://www.obesityaction.org/troa/

📅 Congress returns on September 9th, and our focus will be on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Senate Finance Committee. While there isn’t a magic number of cosponsors needed to pass a bill, the more support TROA has, the higher the chances it will become a priority for leadership.

Let’s keep the momentum going! Together, we can make a difference!

Menopause brings many physical and mental changes that can range from mildly annoying to downright debilitating.

But did you know it can also impact your weight and overall health?

In the latest issue of Weight Matters Magazine, Dr. Katherine H. Saunders, MD, DABOM, discusses the connection. Whether you're experiencing menopause or just want to learn more, this article is a must-read and must-share with the women in your life!

Read the full article here: https://www.obesityaction.org/resources/aging-menopause-obesity/

🩺 Health Talk This Thursday: Understanding Eating Disorders & Obesity

Eating disorders are more than just a struggle with food — they're serious mental health conditions that often connect with obesity in surprising ways. Join us this Thursday for a deep dive into this complex topic.

Featuring:
Kelly Broadwater, LPA - Psychologist & Certified Eating Disorders Specialist
Melinda J. Watman, RN - Anti-Weight Discrimination Advocate, sharing the patient perspective.

They'll break down what you need to know and where to find help if you or someone you care about is struggling 💙

🗓️ Date: 8/22/2024
🕖 Time: 7 pm EST
📍 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pv1sUsnXClU
📝 Sign up for Health Talk reminders: https://www.obesityaction.org/healthtalks/

See you there!

We'd like to thank ProSciento, Inc. for advancing OAC's mission by joining our Corporate Council at the Patron level! Prosciento is a specialized clinical research organization focused on obesity, diabetes, chronic liver disease and related metabolic diseases. And, like OAC, they believe in science-based care!

💙💚 Learn more about our highest level of Membership and the partnerships that are helping us drive change: https://www.obesityaction.org/ways-to-give/corporate-support/

HAPPENING TODAY!
Webinar: Empowering Women Living with Obesity

� Date: August 20, 2024
� Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm EDT

Join us for a powerful discussion on "Empowering Women Living with Obesity: A Review of the Insurance Landscape, Resources, and Helpful Information."

Living with obesity can impact various aspects of life, from health and socioeconomic status to emotional well-being. This webinar, co-hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition, Society for Women’s Health Research, and STOP Obesity Alliance, will provide valuable insights and tips on navigating insurance coverage, advocating for yourself, and addressing bias and stigma in healthcare.

Topics include:
� Navigating coverage issues
� Patient support and self-advocacy
� Shared decision-making with healthcare providers
� Addressing bias, stigma, and the use of patient-first language

Hope to see you there!

Register Now: https://swhr.org/event/empowering-women-living-with-obesity-a-review-of-the-insurance-landscape-resources-and-helpful-information/

🩺 A Call for Health Equity in Obesity Care

This powerful Washington Post article highlights a critical issue that needs to be addressed. As obesity rates continue to rise, access to obesity medications remains out of reach for many, particularly within Black America. Nearly half of Black Americans — including almost 60 percent of Black women — are living with obesity, which significantly increases the risk of related conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.

Despite the significant need, Medicare and Medicaid's current coverage policies create challenges for communities in accessing these vital treatments.

📢 Read more about the issue: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/08/14/medicare-obesity-drugs-black-americans/

📢 Send a message that it's time for policymakers to create more accessible care for those living with obesity. Take Now! https://www.obesityaction.org/troa/

Tara is an OAC Community Member who recently wrote in about wanting to share how weight bias from medical professionals has impacted her ability to receive care for her multiple health conditions. When Tara met a cardiologist who validated her concerns, it gave her the strength to stop doubting herself.

Read Tara's story on our blog: https://bit.ly/3YU6ntN

Standing Up to Weight Bias in Healthcare: Tara's Story Read Tara's journey with challenging weight bias in healthcare and learn how her story empowers others to take action against obesity stigma.

Joe Nadglowski, President and CEO of the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC), recently co-authored a study exploring patient perspectives on success in obesity treatment. This research highlights the importance of recognizing achievements beyond weight loss or BMI, including freedom from stigma, full participation in life activities, and non-scale victories (NSVs).

The study findings emphasize the need for personalized, patient-centered approaches that challenge traditional clinical measures of success and call for a collaborative definition of success between clinicians and patients to effectively manage obesity.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/osp4.70001

One patient involved in the study shared: "Success is not about the number on the scale; it's about all of the things that you can do that you couldn't do before. Success is about health. Success is about living longer than you thought you were going to live."

Do you agree?

Attention Healthcare Providers! 🩺

Looking to support your patients with trustworthy, educational resources on obesity and obesity-related topics? The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) offers a range of FREE print materials. Help empower your patients on their health journey!

📦 Order your resources today:
https://www.obesityaction.org/education-support/resources/order-print-resources/

Every piece of OAC merch isn't just a look — it's a statement. Show the world you support advocacy, education and change for people affected by obesity. Wear it to start conversations, change perceptions and challenge weight stigma!

🛒 Shop OAC merch now: https://bit.ly/4cDTU0M

Eating disorders are more than just a struggle with food — they're serious mental health conditions that often connect with obesity in surprising ways.

This Thursday, join OAC for our next Health Talk featuring psychologist and certified eating disorders specialist Kelly Broadwater, LPA, and anti-weight discrimination advocate Melinda J Watman, RN. They'll break down what you need to know and where to find help if you or someone you care about is struggling.

🗓️ Date: 8/22/2024
🕖 Time: 7 pm EST
📍 Watch on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/pv1sUsnXClU?si=waTvAB00vgE-HTel

📝 Sign up for Health Talk alerts: https://www.obesityaction.org/healthtalks

Understanding Eating Disorders & Obesity - Health Talks Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that impact millions of individuals and often intersect with obesity in unexpected ways. In this OAC He...