48% of Ohio Women Live with Obesity, Yet Comprehensive Obesity Care Is Not Prioritized

Ohio’s intensifying obesity crisis  

Ohio’s obesity rates are rising, with 47% of Ohioans and 48% of Ohio women currently living with obesity. Moreover, the chronic, treatable disease disproportionately impacts women of color –– 58% of Black women and 45% of Hispanic women in the state are living with obesity.   

Obesity is associated with over 200 other chronic health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and multiple types of cancer. Furthermore, obesity poses unique health challenges for women, including its association with breast and ovarian cancers, as well as fertility issues.   

current coverage landscape  

Despite the state’s high prevalence of obesity, access to the full range of evidence-based comprehensive care –– including medical nutrition services, behavioral therapy, surgery and obesity medications –– remains limited.  

• Just 11% of Ohioans have access to health insurance plans that cover obesity medications.  

• Ohio Medicaid does not cover obesity medications and has restrictions for coverage of behavioral therapy and metabolic and bariatric surgery.  

obesity’s financial impact 

Ohio is home to many of the nation’s top workplaces for women — including four recognized in Fortune’s 2023 Best Workplaces for Women list. However, obesity negatively impacts the state’s economy, workforce and employers. In 2023, obesity reduced Ohio’s economic activity by $19.5 billion and increased employers’ healthcare costs by $2.2 billion. Nonetheless, the negative financial impacts of obesity reach beyond employers –– nationally, women living with obesity earn 9% less than their counterparts without obesity. 

Covering the full range of obesity care options is crucial to improving the well-being of Ohioans and their communities. Addressing obesity head-on will allow for healthier, more productive lives and a stronger, more resilient workforce.