Breaking The Obesity Stigma

Obesity impacts one in three Americans. It is estimated that more than 93 million Americans are affected by obesity, with that number predicted to rise to 120 million in the next five years. Within this population, it is estimated that 8-10 million Americans are affected by severe obesity – a disease characterized by an individual being 100 pounds or more over their ideal body weight.As any individual affected by obesity knows, obesity is a complex chronic disease. It is not simply a condition caused by overeating.Individuals affected often experience a wide variety of other obesity-related conditions including diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep apnea and cancer, which are serious medical risks. Adding to the challenge, individuals affected are often denied access to needed medical treatment (medical weight management and/or bariatric surgery) as some payors (insurance companies, etc.) and employers do not recognize obesity as a disease.The OAC encourages individuals affected by obesity to educate themselves about obesity, its complications and treatments. We believe that educated individuals are best able to make decisions about their healthcare, and therefore are able to be healthier and happier.