Ahead of Obesity Care Week: Resources to Inform the Coverage Conversation
February 27, 2025
Spearheaded by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC)—an EveryBODY Covered campaign partner—alongside four other prominent obesity awareness organizations, the first week of March (March 3-7) is designated as Obesity Care Week (OCW) Through a dedicated week of education, advocacy and awareness-raising for individuals living with obesity, OCW aims to shift societal perceptions and improve understanding of obesity – because everybody deserves coverage for obesity care; it’s only fair.
Despite being acknowledged as a chronic disease by medical organizations, persisting stigma and misconceptions stand in the way of obesity being universally recognized as the complex, chronic condition it is. Unfortunately, these misunderstandings create barriers to accessing the full range of evidence-based comprehensive obesity care, including medical nutrition services, behavioral therapy, surgery and FDA-approved obesity management medications.
Below are a variety of resources from EveryBODY Covered and its partners, providing helpful background and data to inform the ongoing conversation around obesity as a chronic disease – one that disproportionately impacts women and women of color – and insurance coverage of obesity care.
understanding obesity, its impacts and the importance of coverage for care
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| What is Obesity? | Infographic provided by OCW to understand the causes of obesity |
| Access to Care | Infographic provided by OCW to understand obesity treatment and barriers that limit access to care |
| True or False? Obesity | Quiz by HealthyWomen to learn more about obesity facts |
| Obesity Disparities in Women and Factors Impacting Health Outcomes | Infographic by Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR) on the disproportionate impacts of obesity on women and associated care challenges |
| Exploring Women’s Experiences with Obesity | Public opinion survey commissioned by the Alliance for Women’s Health and Prevention, convener of EveryBODY Covered, examining women’s attitudes around and perceptions of obesity, its effects on women’s health, and their support for obesity care solutions. |
| Understanding Obesity Stigma | Educational brochure by OAC breaking down various stigmas in the obesity landscape. |
| Empowering Women Living with Obesity: A Review of the Insurance Landscape, Resources and Helpful Information | Webinar held by SWHR, OAC, and STOP Obesity Alliance featuring a panel of experts and focusing on empowering women living with obesity. |
| Ask the Experts – Obesity Series | YouTube series from the American Diabetes Association featuring discussions by experts on how to have conversations about obesity care with healthcare providers, as well as information on obesity care treatments. |
highlighting the role of employers in supporting employees living with obesity
| Resource | Description |
| Obesity Care Coverage Facts for Employers | Resource by EveryBODY Covered on obesity in the workplace and the role of employers in supporting obesity care |
| Employer Recommendations to Address Obesity Coverage | Resource by National Alliance for Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions to help guide employers in making informed decisions on obesity care coverage |
| Weight Bias in the Workplace: Information for Employers | Brochure by OAC for employers to help reduce weight bias, promote wellness and address obesity positively in the workplace |
If you’re interested in speaking with key organizational leaders, patient advocates or healthcare providers in the obesity space, please contact us at press@womenshealthandprevention.org.