Obesity Advocacy

At the American Diabetes Association (ADA), we recognize obesity as the chronic disease it is and are working to achieve access to obesity care and treatment to prevent type 2 diabetes and improve the health of those with or at risk of type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. The ADA is fighting to improve the lives of the millions of Americans affected by obesity and diabetes. Proven and effective interventions and programs exist to treat and manage the disease. But health insurance and federal and state programs do not allow access to these science-based treatments. 

We are advocating for person-centered care and treatment for obesity—including insurance coverage and access to nutrition programs and services, medications, and surgery—because most people lack access to these necessary services and medications to treat their disease and achieve better health.

Why advocate for obesity treatment access? 

The ADA’s Standards of Care in Diabetes defines obesity as a chronic disease. Grounded in science, we know its treatment should be taken as seriously as with other medical conditions (such as diabetes) and involves a multifaceted approach to support healthy lifestyles, medication, and surgery.

In America today, obesity:

• Affects nearly 42% of the adult population, and overweight affects over 85% of people with type 2 diabetes
• Accounts for up to 53% of new cases of type 2 diabetes every year
• Is experienced by an increasing number of people with type 1 diabetes
• Is linked to heart disease, stroke, certain types of cancers, fatty liver disease, osteoarthritis​ and psychosocial issues—which are among the leading causes of preventable, premature death

Obesity Treatment Areas

The following are what we are working towards in our fight to expand access to obesity care benefits: 

• Expand access to and funding for diabetes prevention, research, and evidence-based support programs. 
• Support access to medically appropriate healthy and nutritious foods and meals—especially for those with low incomes.
• Support access to safe places to exercise
• Improve access to person-centered treatment.
• Eliminate burdensome requirements and barriers to access.
• Ensure patient- and provider-centered choices for obesity programs and treatments are prioritized. 

How You Can Get Involved

Join us in our fight to improve access to person-centered obesity treatments! Your voice is a powerful tool when it’s used to speak up on behalf of the communities that need our help.

Advocating in U.S. Congress

We are urging Congress and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid to improve access to evidence-based treatment for obesity. Currently, over 40 percent of Medicare beneficiaries experience obesity. Medicare restricts access to lifestyle interventions, nutrition counseling, and prohibits use of FDA-approved medications to treat obesity. The ADA is working to remove these barriers to treatment and care.