Obesity Action Coalition Calls On Insurers And Employers To Increase Access To Obesity Management Services

Main Category: Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness
Also Included In: Public Health
Article Date: 25 Aug 2007 - 0:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

In light of recent studies in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) demonstrating a powerful connection between obesity interventions and reduced deaths, the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) calls on insurers and employers to increase access to the treatments of obesity and morbid obesity.

In one study, led by Ted D. Adams, PhD, MPH, staggering results were reported in regards to the occurrence of death due to cancer, cardiovascular events and diabetes. The study concluded that long-term total mortality after gastric bypass was significantly reduced. This is one of the first major studies demonstrating that intentional weight-loss leads to improved life expectancy.

"Obesity is not a cosmetic problem. As demonstrated in the NEJM studies, obesity interventions such as bariatric surgery save lives. It is now time for all insurers and employers to make obesity management services a priority and widely available to those affected by the diseases of obesity and morbid obesity. By doing so, those affected by obesity and their healthcare providers will have the necessary tools to combat this lifelong disease and improve the longevity and quality of health and life for all those affected by obesity," said Joseph Nadglowski, Jr., OAC President and CEO.

Obesity is a serious health epidemic that targets one in four Americans. It is estimated that more than 93 million Americans are obese, with that number predicted to climb to 120 million in the next five years. In order to address this epidemic, the OAC recognizes and promotes increasing prevention efforts and improving access to safe and effective treatment options, such as nutrition counseling, physician supervised weight-loss (with or without pharmaceuticals) and for appropriately selected candidates, bariatric surgery.

The mission of the OAC is to elevate and empower those affected by obesity through education, advocacy and support. The OAC strives to educate obese individuals, family members and the public on obesity. In addition, the OAC will increase obesity education, work to improve access to medical treatments for the obese, advocate for safe and effective treatments and strive to eliminate the negative stigma associated with obesity.

Obesity Action Coalition
http://www.obesityaction.org