We’re just 25 days away from the 2025 Your Weight Matters National Convention, and this is your last week to register in advance! Full Convention Advance Registration is $176 through July 4th—after that, it increases to $200 and will only be available onsite. 

Whether you’re planning to attend the full weekend or just one meaningful day, don’t wait—now’s the time to make it official.

This event is all about YOU. Your journey, your voice, your community. Let’s come together and celebrate 20 years of impact!

Still on the fence about attending? Watch this special message from OAC Board Chair Nikki Massie, MA! 

The 20 Million Step Challenge is ON!

We’re celebrating 20 years of the Obesity Action Coalition by moving with purpose, passion and power—and we want YOU to join us. This isn’t just about steps—it’s about celebrating every body and every form of movement: walking, rolling, stretching, dancing, gardening and more. If it moves you, it counts.

From now through September, every step you log helps raise awareness, fight weight bias and support those affected by obesity. Join the 20 Million Step Challenge, get moving, log your movement and use #StepWithOAC to show us how YOU move with purpose!

What Medi-Cal Cuts Mean for Shekinah

Meet OAC Member Shekinah Thomas, a dedicated advocate from California courageously sharing her story on CBS News. For Shekinah, eating right is only half the battle. She’s lived with obesity her entire life and tried everything from surgery to nutrition programs. The only treatment that’s helped her manage her weight and health long-term is a GLP-1 medication—one that costs around $1,000 per injection. Watch more about her experience here.

Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA)

While the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) proposed rule update wasn’t finalized, OAC continues to work with HHS and CMS to advance coverage. We’re also encouraged by the bipartisan reintroduction of the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA) in the Senate, with the House expected to follow soon.

TROA would expand Medicare to cover behavioral therapy and FDA-approved obesity medications—helping millions access needed care. Stay tuned for updates.

OAC Signs On to OCAN Letter

This month, OAC joined 135+ organizations in urging Congress to reject the proposed 2026 budget cut that would eliminate the CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity (DNPAO). DNPAO supports vital public health tools like growth charts, BMI calculators and prevention programs. Cutting it would threaten progress in addressing obesity and chronic disease. Read the full letter now. 

Kathrin’s Fight for Coverage

Access to evidence-based obesity care shouldn’t depend on your job or how hard you’re willing to fight for it. In this powerful personal story, OAC Member Kathrin Baeza shares her journey navigating employer-based insurance, advocating for coverage and finally finding care that supports her whole health. Read Kathrin’s story and see her tips for advocacy.

Take Action Where It Counts — In Your State!

We’re in 29 out of 50 states and we’re just getting started. Help us fill in the map and join OAC's newly launched Action Teams! You'll be part of a network of advocates ready to influence obesity policy at the state and federal levels. No ongoing commitment — just a willingness to act when it matters most. Join today!

New OAC Health Talk: Understanding Rare Types of Obesity

Rare types of obesity are often misunderstood, misdiagnosed and overlooked. In this health talk, Linda Shapiro Manning, MD, PhD, breaks down what makes an obesity-related condition “rare” and explores four key diagnoses—offering clarity, resources and support for those seeking answers. Watch it on YouTube!

Fresh Perspectives: Lipedema and Obesity

For Lipedema Awareness Month, we're spotlighting this often-misunderstood chronic condition with Courtney Henderson, OT/L, CLT, from the Lipedema Foundation. Learn how lipedema differs from obesity, what treatment options exist and how both patients and providers can better recognize and manage it. Watch this important conversation now!

Confused by Copays? Frustrated by Formularies?

We’ve got you covered. If you missed our webinar, Understanding Your Prescription Coverage, you can still catch it!

In this session, the OAC Advocacy Team breaks down pharmacy benefit basics—so you can better understand your coverage, cut through the fine print and take charge of accessing the medications you need. Watch the webinar now.

Let’s Talk About Liver Health

Our recent conversation on Obesity & Liver Disease is now available to watch on demand! Learn more about MASH (Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis)—a serious but often silent liver disease linked to obesity.

Find out who’s at risk, why early screening matters and what steps you can take to protect your liver. Watch now and take our quick liver health survey.

Your Support is Changing Lives

Thanks to our incredible Community, 30 individuals received scholarships through The Rob Portinga Memorial Scholarship Fund to attend this year’s Your Weight Matters National Convention! This fund helps remove financial barriers so more people can experience the life-changing education, support and connection that OAC's National Convention offers.

Want to make a difference? Your gift today can help someone attend next year’s Convention. Every dollar goes directly to supporting individuals who otherwise wouldn’t be able to join us.