Summer is the Season for Advocacy!
in OAC Blog on July 3, 2024

By Sarah Bramblette During the summer months, the weather is warmer, and the days are longer. There are many reasons to love the summer season, including the additional opportunities to make a difference in your community! Did you know that the summer season is the ideal time to meet your members of Congress without having
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Obesity Action Coalition and STOP Obesity Alliance Collaborate on new Medicaid Obesity Treatment Coverage Research
in 2024 New Releases, OAC Blog, OAC Newsroom on June 3, 2024

Tampa, Fla., June 3, 2024—The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) and the STOP Obesity Alliance are proud to announce the release of the “Medicaid Obesity Treatment Coverage Study.” This study is the first to analyze and investigate levels of state Medicaid coverage for obesity treatment options, beyond whether a benefit was covered or not. Healthcare plans
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The Fight For Visibility: Courtney Gilbert’s Story
in OAC Blog on

For Courtney Gilbert, a dedicated member of the Obesity Action Coalition, obesity has been a significant part of her life for as long as she can remember. Throughout her life, she has navigated the physical, emotional and social impacts of her weight, witnessing the struggles of her family and friends as well. Despite enduring relentless
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Obesity and Women’s Health: How to Break the Barriers
in OAC Blog on May 3, 2024

To kick off Women’s Health Month, OAC’s own Director of Policy Strategy and Alliances Tracy Zvenyach, PhD, MS, RN, and Immediate-past Chair Patty Nece, JD, participated in Exploring Obesity’s Impact on Women and Policy’s Role in Improving Outcomes, an insightful panel discussion hosted by Society for Women’s Health Research. The discussion focused on understanding and
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Obesity Action Coalition Urges CMS to Expand Coverage to Obesity Medications
in OAC Blog, OAC Newsroom on April 24, 2024

The Obesity Action Coalition, the Partnership to Advance Cardiovascular Health and more than 40 healthcare and advocacy organizations are urging the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to expand coverage and access to semaglutide for the treatment of obesity. We applaud CMS’s recent decision to cover obesity medications for patients with existing, high-risk cardiovascular
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OAC Community Perspectives: Making the Case for Change by Ava Zebrick
in OAC Blog on April 8, 2024

Meet Ava Zebrick, a powerhouse within the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) whose intelligence, education and determination are the driving forces behind her advocacy work. Behind her calm exterior is a sharp mind and a relentless advocate who is dedicated to changing how society understands and treats obesity. Like many of us, Ava’s experiences with obesity
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Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) Calls for Minnesota Baseball Team St. Paul Saints to Change Offensive ‘Ozempig’ Mascot Name
in 2024 New Releases, News Releases, OAC Blog on April 1, 2024

Tampa, Fla. – The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) condemns Minnesota minor league baseball team St. Paul Saints for naming their mascot ‘Ozempig’ and calls for an immediate change. The name mocks Ozempic, a medication primarily indicated for the treatment of diabetes but sometimes used off-label for the treatment of obesity. Diabetes and obesity affect millions
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Alecia’s Journey: Fighting Obesity and Finding My Voice
in OAC Blog on March 18, 2024

Meet Alecia Smith, a remarkable new member of the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) who is taking the bull by the horns as an advocate for others navigating the challenges of obesity. Alecia’s path to supporting the OAC began with a simple scroll on social media when she saw a post of ours on Facebook and
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Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) Mobilizes Advocates on Capitol Hill to Mark the Start of Obesity Care Week 2024
in News Releases, OAC Blog, OAC Newsroom on March 1, 2024

WASHINGTON, DC — To kick off Obesity Care Week 2024, more than 60 advocates with the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) will gather on Capitol Hill to meet with more than 70 legislators to express the importance of expanding access to obesity care by urging legislators to co-sponsor the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA). Obesity
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