Franchell Richard-Hamilton, MD, FASMBS, FACS’ Post

Every year, millions of older adults lose coverage for the obesity treatments they are taking when they go on Medicare, increasing their risk for obesity-related diseases like diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. The AMA classifies obesity as a serious disease requiring treatment. Yet, the Medicare programs stand in the way of seniors getting the care prescribed by their health providers. This is why Congress should pass the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act. Obesity was classified as a chronic disease by the CDC over 10 years ago, yet outdated stigmas still prevent those who need care from accessing it. Learn more here: right2obesitycare.org

🩺 A Call for Health Equity in Obesity Care This powerful Washington Post article highlights a critical issue that needs to be addressed. As obesity rates continue to rise, access to obesity medications remains out of reach for many, particularly within Black America. Nearly half of Black Americans — including almost 60 percent of Black women — are living with obesity, which significantly increases the risk of related conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. Despite the significant need, Medicare and Medicaid's current coverage policies create challenges for communities in accessing these vital treatments. 📢 Read more about the issue: https://lnkd.in/ddmiPue9 📢 Send a message that it's time for policymakers to create more accessible care for those living with obesity. Take #OACAction Now! https://lnkd.in/eA5MjpuN

In this Pharmacy Times commentary, Dr Anthony Auriemma describes how established medications, including a VIVUS weight management treatment, can address cost inequities in the obesity epidemic. As he notes, ensuring broad access to weight-management solutions is vital for addressing entrenched health inequities, improving health outcomes, and reducing individual and societal health costs. You can read the article at: https://bit.ly/3zs77ff VIVUS is committed to advancing treatment options for obesity and offering much-needed hope to adult and pediatric patients globally. To learn more about our work in this area, please visit VIVUS.com. Disclosure: Dr. Auriemma provides consulting services to VIVUS. #treatingobesity #obesitymedicine #vivusllc #weightmanagement #weightlossmedications

The United States is facing an obesity crisis, with obesity rates that have more than doubled since the 1970s. Obesity is a leading public health issue that affects people of all ages, races, and ethnicities. It is more important than ever as health professionals to be trained in properly caring for bariatric patients to prevent injury to the patient and healthcare providers. With #SimUSuit obesity trainers, you can transform any manikin or real person into a bariatric patient! Happy Healthcare Simulation Week! #healthcaresimulation #simulationweek #medicalsimulation #medicaleducation #healthcaresimulationweek

Today is World Obesity Day, a day dedicated to promoting understanding, prevention, and treatment of obesity through an empathetic lens. As advocates for health equity, we stand with World Obesity Day in our mission to improve health outcomes through innovative clinical trials. For sponsors, CROs, and sites looking to advance their obesity studies, reach out to us for tailored support and solutions: https://hubs.ly/Q02mZ9Nd0 Partner with us to pioneer your research and pave the way for a brighter future, for everyone. #WorldObesityDay #AddressingObesity #Obesity #ClinicalTrials #EvrimaTechnologies

Last week, we joined with dozens of organizations in signing a letter to the U.S. House Committee on Ways & Means (https://lnkd.in/gRN7NjxU), urging them to support the passage of the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA). This bill, if passed, would provide critical, life-saving coverage of anti-obesity medications to Medicare participants – an estimated 1.25 million people over the next 10 years. The bill also calls for the potential reinstatement of coverage for intensive behavioral therapy – treatment that is critical for the long-term health outcomes of those living with obesity as well as those just looking for the support of lifestyle interventions to better manage their weight health.  The good news: The committee voted favorably, which means TROA can now be voted upon by the full House of Representatives. Thank you to the members of the House committee for taking action and making progress on enabling older adults to maintain access to treatment and coverage as they become eligible for Medicare. We’re urging all members of Congress to join the cause to help make weight care more accessible – for everyone.  #weighthealth #TROA

Register today for our upcoming webinar: https://ow.ly/EQUg50RzT8z May is #DisabilityInsuranceAwarenessMonth! To celebrate Munich Re Life US invites you to join our webinar with Dr. Gina Guzman as she explores the potential impact newer #anti-obesity medications may have on health and #morbidity. Obesity has long been a global health issue with a tripling of prevalence since 1975. With limited anti-obesity medication options, obesity has developed into an adverse risk factor for many medical conditions with high morbidity risk. Join as we dive into the newer anti-obesity medications and their potential favorable impact on health and morbidity. You won't want to miss this! #MunichReLifeNA #DIAM2024

Let's continue the conversation beyond World Obesity Day. As healthcare professionals, we witness the significant impact of obesity on individuals daily. Our care delivery platform, Roczen, is at the forefront of helping patients achieve healthier lives. 1. 14 million people currently live with obesity, with projections estimating 20 million by 2030. 2. By 2050, the projected cost to the NHS is a staggering £9.7 billion. 3. These numbers paint a concerning picture, not just for individual health outcomes but also for the sustainability of our healthcare system. Obesity is a complex issue with various contributing factors. It is not a matter of individual choices. Genetics, environment, and access to healthy resources play a significant role. Early intervention and prevention is crucial. We need to focus on improving access to specialist care and creating supportive environments, especially for under-represented communities. Our expert clinical team has built a service that we’re incredibly proud of. Roczen provides individuals with tailored medical plans, lifestyle coaching, and nutritional expertise to support their unique needs. #WorldObesityDay #PublicHealth #NHS

These rights are designed to ensure that individuals with obesity receive proper screening, diagnosis, counseling, and treatment. Additionally, they aim to combat weight bias and ageism within the healthcare system, addressing exclusionary coverage policies imposed by insurers and government agencies. https://lnkd.in/d8cdaSi2 #obesity #obesitymedicine National Consumers League (NCL) National Council on Aging #fitnessbusiness #fitnessindustry

⭐️ Have Your Say: Shape the Future of Obesity Care in Australia The Clinical Practice Guidelines for managing overweight and obesity in Australia are being updated—a crucial step towards improving care across the obesity spectrum. These guidelines will influence how care is delivered, and this is your chance to ensure the voices of those with lived experience are heard. Health Consumers’ Council (HCC), in collaboration with The WELL Collaborative and Weight Issues Network (WIN), is holding a consumer consultation session to gather feedback from those directly impacted by obesity. Your insights will help inform HCC’s submission during the public consultation period, which closes 16th December 2024. 💡 Why it’s important to attend: ➡️ Ensure the guidelines reflect the realities and challenges faced by people living with obesity. ➡️ Advocate for care models that are accessible, compassionate, and evidence-based. ➡️ Help shape guidelines that support person-centred, multidisciplinary approaches. ➡️ Together, we can drive meaningful change. 🌐 Please resister to attend via this link so we can send you the Zoom link prior to the event: https://lnkd.in/gKwW8baV Should you be unable to make the feedback session but would like to submit your thoughts on the guidelines, you can do so through the survey link which is linked on the registration page. If you have any questions regarding the feedback session, please contact The WELL Collaborative via email: [email protected] #WIN #WeightIssuesNetworkAustralia