New Standards Are Clear: Weight Stigma Has No Place in Healthcare

A new set of care standards by the American Diabetes Association is challenging healthcare professionals to confront and eliminate weight stigma — a harmful barrier that too many people with obesity still face when seeking care.

James Zervios, OAC's Chief Operating Officer who was featured in the article, comments, “A place where somebody should be able to be vulnerable… is one of the places where people say they experience weight bias the most.” 

The new guidelines aim to change that — calling for improvements in provider training, clinical environments and respectful communication. Read the full article to learn more. 

Ensuring Access to Obesity Treatment for All Coloradans

This month, we're proud to spotlight OAC Member and Colorado native Teddy McCullough, a passionate and vocal advocate sharing his journey with obesity. Access to obesity treatment is a matter of health, not appearance. In a compelling op-ed, Teddy shares how taking a GLP-1 medication transformed his health, helping him manage serious conditions like sleep apnea and prediabetes. Read more about his experience here.

Yet far too many Coloradans, especially in underserved communities, still face barriers to this care. SB25-048 could change that — and it's now on Governor Polis’ desk. Urge him to sign it and help expand access to life-changing obesity treatments. 

Thank You for Joining Your Weight Matters Virtual

This month, we were proud to host Your Weight Matters Virtual and bring OAC's unmatched education and support to the comfort of home for hundreds of attendees! It was an incredible weekend with lots of energy and connectivity as we explored sessions like understanding obesity as a disease and navigating health in a changing world.

Didn't get the chance to attend? OAC Community+ Members get access to the sessions post-event. Sign up here for just $20!

Your Weight Matters Regional is hitting the road — and Philly is up next!

OAC's Your Weight Matters Regional events bring FREE, in-person education to communities across the country — offering real, science-based information about weight and health in a supportive, judgment-free space. Each half-day event features trusted experts — including a physician, dietitian and psychologist — who understand the complex factors that affect weight. Check to see if a Regional event is coming soon to a city near you!

🗓️ Next stop: Philadelphia on June 28
📢 Get Updates: Sign up for regional alerts here

Be a Voice for Change in Your State!

OAC's newly launched Action Teams give you the opportunity to help influence obesity policies in your state and on a federal level. By signing up, you’ll join a dedicated group of advocates who are ready to speak up when key issues arise.

There’s no ongoing commitment—just a readiness to act when it matters most. Be among the first to join OAC Action Teams today!

We Want to Hear from You

CVS Caremark recently announced that Wegovy will become the preferred GLP-1 medication for obesity treatment starting in July, leaving many questions for those currently prescribed Zepbound and other obesity medications.

If you've received a letter from CVS about this change, please share it with us at [email protected]. Join our next advocacy webinar to learn how to navigate changes to your prescription drug coverage.

Missed Our Facebook Live on Obesity & Liver Disease? Watch It Anytime!

Did you know that more than one in three people living with obesity may also have an undiagnosed liver disease? The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) hosted a powerful Facebook Live event this week that explores the link between obesity and liver conditions like MASH (formerly known as NASH). In just 30 minutes, we broke down:

• What MASH/NASH is and why it matters
• Who’s at risk
• How to screen for liver disease
• Steps for managing it through lifestyle and emerging treatments

What You Might’ve Missed in Weight Matters Magazine

Don't miss the spring issue of Weight Matters Magazine, available digitally on our website, before our summer issue comes out!

Want a print issue delivered to your mailbox? Get it with OAC Community+ Membership for only $20 this year.

Understanding Childhood Obesity Brochure

Have a child affected by obesity or know someone who could benefit from resources on childhood obesity? We've updated our "Understanding Childhood Obesity" Brochure! Check it out here.

Your Legacy Can Expand Access and Change Lives

Spring is a time for growth—and a powerful moment to plan for the future. At OAC, we’re embracing that energy as we continue working toward a world where people living with obesity are respected, supported and have access to the care they deserve.

You’ve helped us educate, advocate and elevate voices. Now, you can shape what comes next. One lasting way to support OAC’s mission is through a legacy gift. With our partner, FreeWill, you can create or update your will in just 20 minutes—at no cost.
Your legacy can help end weight bias, expand care and build a more inclusive future.

Wave Life Science Survey

OAC is teaming up with a corporate partner to better understand the health needs of our community—and we want to hear from you! Take a quick 1–2 minute screening survey to see if you qualify for a longer research study. If you do and complete the full survey (~15 minutes), you’ll receive a $50 Amazon e-gift card as a thank-you.

All responses are confidential and used only for research purposes. We’re collecting responses through the end of May—don’t miss your chance to be heard! Click here to see if you qualify.

May OAC Corporate Council Updates:

The OAC's Corporate Council recognizes companies and organizations who support our mission and play an integral role in helping us provide education, advocacy and support. This month, we want to thank Seca Medical Body Composition for renewing at the Silver level.

Click here to learn more about the OAC Corporate Council.