Atlanta, Georgia Local News
Virtual round table discusses access to care and the urgency of addressing obesity as a disease
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“I am the poster child of why people living with obesity must have access to all options of care. We must work together to create policies that allow Health Care cultures to promote strong patient-provider relationships that build trust and reduce stigma,” said Michele Tedder, M.S.N., R.N. Senior Program Manager for the Black Women’s Health Imperative.
This is one of the many points shared during a virtual round table discussion with advocates, doctors, and politicians on effective treatments for obesity. All of them were gathered by the independent nonprofit organization Healthywomen. They aimed to explain why obesity should be considered a disease and all parties’ struggles. The group revealed where we are regarding access and progress and shared what the government plans to execute regarding the problem.
“The only way to achieve better health is to ensure access to the tools necessary to create individualized comprehensive treatment plans that include surgery, anti-obesity medications, lifestyle change programs, healthy foods, and mental health care. This should be a right for all, not a privilege,” said Tedder.
Healthywomen’s virtual congressional briefing on treatment for obesity was held on February 1. The online conversation featured Tedder and Dr. Angela Fitch, president of the Obesity Medicine Association, and Dr. Travis Batts, a representative of The Association of Black Cardiologists. The briefing was moderated by WUSA9 weeknight anchor Lesli Foster.
The group explained obesity should be considered a disease because an individual’s genetics, development, environment, and behavioral factors play a role. According to the CDC, 40 percent of American adults are affected by obesity. In 2013, The American Medical Association defined obesity as a chronic disease because it meets specific benchmarks. Conditions lasting more than one year, requiring ongoing medical attention, and limiting the activities of daily living are those benchmarks.
The panel elaborated that people’s belief that it is not a disease is holding back solutions to this problem. Dr. Fitch highlighted that for centuries, everyone has placed the blame on obese people for how they got into that state instead of looking at it as a complicated problem. She informs the panel that Medicaid does not cover obesity, and the T.R.O.A. (Treat and Reduce Obesity Act) needs to be passed for that to change.
“if I go into the doctor and say I want help with my obesity and my doctor codes my obesity as a disease, that claim gets denied. The doctor doesn’t get paid for that visit. Commercial insurance does not cover obesity, and we need to pass T.R.O.A. to get around so people get the care they need,” said Dr.Fitch.
The Treat and Reduce Obesity Act is a bipartisan bill introduced to the Senate in 2021. If passed, T.R.O.A. will expand Medicaid to cover obesity treatment. Right now, there are six FDA-approved anti-obesity medications available. Without insurance, people would pay close to $1,000 for it. The anti-obesity medication would reduce fat absorption in the body. It would also reduce cravings and appetite, increasing the feeling of fullness after eating.
“This is a game changer. We are seeing the results, and we are seeing people getting healthier because of research and new options in treating and managing obesity as a disease,” said Beth Battaglino, RN C.E.O. of HealthyWomen
The panel discussed how anti-obesity medication is among the few things Americans need for total health care. They break down how people with obesity need nutritional, behavioral, and mental health counseling. Bariatric surgery is recommended when appropriate. Dr. Batts has a method for his patients that helps their behavior and mental issues before they start taking the anti-obesity medication. It is an acronym for his patients that can help them balance their lifestyle.
“I ask my patients if they took their M.E.D.S.S.S.? I ask them if they focus on mindfulness, exercise, diet, sleep hygiene, social connections, and avoiding risky substances. When they’ve done these steps, I then institute the medication so the patient can see those pounds come off,” said Dr. Batts.
The briefing concluded that Medicaid needs to expand coverage to Obesity treatment. The panel unanimously agreed that science has proven it is possible to resolve this national issue. More information can be found on Healthywomen.org.
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Clayton Gutzmore
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