Tennessee Legislature can aid state’s obesity problem

I’ve lost 245 pounds, and I still live with obesity. When I say this to rooms of medical professionals, policymakers, and other advocates, I am often met with surprise. As a women’s size 6, my story unravels the familiar narrative of “eat less and move more” being the only approach.

Obesity is a complex, chronic disease that often relapses. Weight is a symptom of obesity, and how I look is merely a reflection of comprehensive care from my medical team and my lifestyle. The culture of diets, “before and after” magazine covers and bias harms our health. After telling my story to thousands worldwide, I know we must fight to be taken seriously and take action. 

As the Tennessee General Assembly wraps up its session in the next week, I ask members to expand obesity care coverage in their budget and allow access to Medicaid coverage options for those over age 21. We must invest in the health and well-being of people with all chronic diseases — not just some.

More than 130 million people in the U.S. live with obesity, and this number is expected to rise. Tennessee ranks 5th in states affected by obesity, with more than 39% of adults living with the disease. Obesity can affect nearly every system in the body and can lead to serious health complications. People with obesity require comprehensive care, including access to nutrition counseling, behavioral therapy, mental healthcare, bariatric surgery, and medications. Investing in obesity care can lead to long-term health benefits and reduced healthcare costs. I am living proof of this investment.

Obesity has only been acknowledged as a disease by the medical community for about a decade. We can pave the way for a more effective approach to treatment by recognizing obesity as a serious but treatable disease.

Part of that approach includes medications, which are pivotal in managing obesity. The new anti-obesity medications are a daily topic of discussion for many Americans. Cost and coverage issues keep safe and effective treatments away from people who need them most. These life-saving medications are often too expensive for most people to pay out-of-pocket, and most health insurance plans do not cover them.

It’s time to redefine how we treat obesity in this country. When it comes to access to comprehensive obesity care options, Tennessee can and should lead the way.