One Month Down—Let’s Keep Moving!

The 20 Million Step Challenge is in full swing, and we’re already making powerful strides together to raise awareness and celebrate all forms of intentional movement.

Whether you’re just getting started or have been stepping with us from the beginning—don’t forget to log your steps! Every movement matters and every step helps us honor 20 years of the Obesity Action Coalition. There’s still time to make your impact. Keep moving, keep logging and use #StepWithOAC to show us how you move with purpose!

“I tried everything.”

It’s a phrase we hear too often from people living with obesity—because it’s the reality for so many.

In this powerful video, OAC Board Members and advocates Patty Nece, JD and Liz Paul share their personal journeys and the many obstacles they faced before finally accessing the care they needed. Their experiences are echoed by Dr. Disha Narang, an expert in obesity medicine, who brings clarity to the challenges of managing this complex, chronic disease. Watch now!

OAC’s Most Impactful Hill Day Yet!

Last week, the OAC hosted our largest-ever Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill and it was a powerful step forward for access to obesity care. We met with multiple congressional offices to:

• Advocate for the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA)
• Urge the administration to expand Medicare Part D coverage for obesity medications
• Protect funding for the CDC Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity (DNPAO)

Thank you to the dedicated advocates who joined us in raising their voices and sharing their stories. Together, we’re moving the needle on access, equity and support for people living with obesity.

CVS Caremark Dropped Zepbound—Here’s What That Means for Patients

CVS Caremark’s decision to remove coverage for Zepbound is leaving many without access to a treatment that finally worked. For OAC Community Member Tara, it’s deeply personal: “This is the only medication that has ever worked for me…I finally feel like a human being.”

OAC’s Director of Policy Strategy and Alliances, Tracy Zvenyach, PhD, MS, RN, told CNN Health these decisions are devastating and unacceptable. Read the full story here.

New Podcast Episode: Advocacy & Policy

Tune in to the Conquer Your Weight podcast featuring Dr. Tracy Zvenyach, PhD, MS, RN, Director of Policy Strategy and Alliances at the Obesity Action Coalition.

In this insightful conversation, Dr. Zvenyach explores the vital role of patient advocacy and a clear understanding of healthcare policy—both essential to advancing access to obesity care and addressing weight bias. Listen here.

OAC Health Talk: PCOS and Weight

PCOS affects millions, but its link to weight and overall health is often overlooked. In this Health Talk, Dr. Priya Jaisinghani, MD breaks down the connection between PCOS and obesity, offering practical tips for managing this complex condition. It’s a must-watch for anyone navigating PCOS or supporting someone who is.  Watch it on YouTube!

Obesity & Liver Disease 

You can’t treat something you’ve never heard of — and that’s the case for most people with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Only 1 in 10 people diagnosed with this serious liver disease knew what it was beforehand. MASH is often linked to obesity and usually shows no symptoms until it’s advanced. Watch now!

Because of You, They Were There

This year’s Your Weight Matters National Convention was unforgettable, and one of the most powerful moments was seeing scholarship recipients experience it all.

Through the Rob Portinga Memorial Scholarship Fund, individuals facing financial barriers were able to attend, connect and feel the impact of the OAC Community. Their joy and gratitude were a moving reminder of what’s possible when we support one another. Help someone experience that same transformation next year—donate to the Rob Portinga Memorial Scholarship Fund today.

Your Voice Matters

Want to help improve medical care experiences for individuals living with obesity? The OAC and EfficientCME are conducting research about the personal care experiences of people with obesity or overweight. Your perspectives and preferences will be used to develop an educational program for physicians to help them better meet the needs of patients like you.

Who can participate? Anyone 18 years of age or older with a diagnosis of obesity or overweight. All study participants will receive an Amazon gift card of $20 for their participation. To participate, click here.