NHHF proudly supports the Obesity Bill of Rights Initiative
NHHF and NHMA proudly supports the Obesity Bill of Rights Initiative
March 15, 2024
As a Latina doctor with years of advocating for Hispanic health, I know the adverse effects of obesity on our own community.
Latinos face a greater prevalence of obesity and associated comorbidities, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, when compared to the general population.
This issue is complex and multi-faceted. I see it in California, where I grew up where genetic predisposition, environmental factors, traditional diets, family dynamics, cultural influences, and socioeconomic factors all contribute to almost 38 % of Latinos considered overweight.
Nationwide, the statistics are alarming. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, Hispanic Americans had the second-highest age-adjusted prevalence of obesity, and a staggering 78.8% of Hispanic American women are overweight or obese compared to 64% of non-Hispanic white women.
Furthermore, obesity, particularly within the Latino community, is not merely a health concern. While individuals grappling with obesity are more likely to face high blood pressure, elevated blood fats, diabetes, and LDL cholesterol – all recognized risk factors for heart disease and stroke, Latinos also face disproportionate healthcare obstacles, including lower rates of health insurance coverage and higher use of emergency care instead of preventative medical access.
But for too long, we’ve limited our options for treatment and put the onus on individuals to eat right and exercise more. Some health professionals, employers, insurers, and government agencies even fault and discriminate against overweight people for a so-called “lack of willpower.”
It’s time we start dealing with obesity with the single-mindedness and seriousness that other fatal diseases demand.
That’s why NHHF and NHMA are joining The National Consumers League and National Council on Aging in an effort by health leaders and obesity specialists to establish a set of rights that will empower people with obesity to demand and receive effective medical treatment when needed. The Obesity Bill of Rights calls for personalized obesity care with culturally sensitive strategies.
These rights include:
The Right to Accurate, Clear, Trusted, and Accessible Information
The Right to Respect.
The Right to Make Treatment Decisions.
The Right to Treatment from Qualified Health Providers.
The Right to Person-Centered Care.
The Right to Accessible Obesity Care and Services from Health Systems.
The Right for Older Adults to Receive Quality Obesity Care.
The Right to Coverage for Treatment.
It’s time we treat obesity as a disease and give doctors and patients the tools and opportunities to utilize all available medical treatment, not just to those who can afford it but to all who need it. For many individuals, particularly those with limited financial resources, the high price of these medications is simply unattainable.
This creates a stark inequality in healthcare, where those who can afford the cost are able to receive the necessary treatment while others are left to struggle with the burdens of obesity. By including weight loss medication in coverage, we can level the playing field and provide equal opportunities for all individuals to pursue a healthier lifestyle.
One significant issue that compounds the cost barrier is the fact that Medicare does not cover drugs prescribed for obesity. This is particularly alarming for older adults who transition to Medicare after the age of 65, as they face greater risks of health problems related to obesity.
Without coverage for weight loss medication, these individuals are left with one less tool to combat their obesity-related health issues. It is imperative that we address this gap in coverage and ensure that our seniors have access to the treatments they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives.
A recent resolution by members of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) is a good start: State Rep. Rafael Anchía (TX), State Rep. Marcelino Quiñonez (AZ) and State Senator Cristina Castro (IL) put forth a resolution that not only calls for eliminating obesity stigmas but also calls for states to update exclusionary language that prevents Medicaid programs from approving the full scope of pharmaceutical options for those suffering from obesity.
In order to effectively combat the obesity epidemic and improve the health outcomes of individuals struggling with weight issues, it is vital that we address the barriers preventing access to weight loss medication and other medical technologies and let medicine lead the way. The elimination of obesity can give us healthier communities that need less critical and emergency care and which rob many individuals from enjoying a full, productive life.