Portrait of a beautiful Mexican Woman at a park

everybody
deserves
affordable
and equitable
access to
obesity care

obesity impacts women throughout their lives

Obesity has a significant physical, social and financial impact on women.

  • Women with obesity are more likely to have other chronic diseases, such as heart disease or diabetes. Source: NIH,
  • Women with obesity are often stigmatized by friends, family and coworkers because of their disease. Source: Obesity Science & Practice,
  • At work, women affected by obesity earn less money than their colleagues. Source: The Economist,

obesity is connected to a range of other chronic health complications

obesity is connected to a range of other chronic health complications

  • Diabetes
  • Cardiovascular disease, like high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke
  • Breast, endometrial and ovarian cancers
  • Mental health issues, including anxiety and depression
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • Fertility and maternal health challenges

comprehensive obesity care is an important part of women’s health

comprehensive obesity care is an important part of women’s health

Obesity is a chronic, treatable disease with many causes that are outside of an individual’s control. By treating obesity, we can help women live healthier lives and ensure we are all treated more fairly.

Comprehensive obesity care includes:

  • Counseling or intensive behavioral therapy
  • Behavior modification and physical activity
  • Anti-obesity medications
  • Weight loss surgeries
  • Nutrition or dietician services

download our fact sheet

Obesity’s Impact on Women download

Employers, insurers and policymakers
need to treat people with obesity fairly

Even though obesity has serious health consequences, especially for women, it is often misunderstood. As a result, many health insurance plans include barriers that place the full range of obesity care options, particularly medications, out of reach for many women. For example:

EveryBODY-Covered_icon-insurance

Less than half of employers currently cover or are considering covering the latest generation of anti-obesity medications.
Source: IFEBP

EveryBODY-Covered_icon-prohibited

Medicare currently does not cover anti-obesity medications.
Source: CMS

EveryBODY-Covered_icon-states

State Medicaid programs vary in their coverage options, with only 16 states providing coverage for anti-obesity or weight-loss medications.
Source: KFF

everybody—and every woman—deserves affordable and equitable access to obesity care

Women should be able to work with their doctor or healthcare professional to decide the best evidence-based approach for them—and have insurance coverage for that care and treatment. Let’s work together to ensure that employers, health insurers and policymakers treat people with obesity fairly.

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learn more

Learn about obesity’s impact and the need for coverage.

It’s Not Your Fault: Understanding Obesity as a Disease

Obesity Action Coalition

Women and the Obesity Epidemic: Time for Action

American Medical Women’s Association

Obesity Disparities in Women and Factors Impacting Health Outcomes

Society for Women's Health Research

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