WASHINGTON (July 20, 2023)— Today, both houses of Congress reintroduced bi-partisan legislation aimed at the prevention and treatment of obesity, a chronic disease that, without robust public health intervention, will affect nearly half of all Americans by the year 2030. Minorities are already the group hardest hit by obesity. Experts say that obesity puts people at increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, many cancers, and other physical and emotional ailments.
The Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA) recognizes obesity as a treatable medical condition and updates Medicare’s old rules by expanding access to comprehensive, affordable and effective obesity treatments –including coverage of FDA-approved anti-obesity medications, such as Wegovy and Ozempic.
William Dietz, the Director of the Sumner M. Redstone Global Center for Prevention and Wellness, at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, is available to comment on this issue. He can discuss the provisions of the legislation, its anticipated impact on Medicare patients, obesity’s cost to individuals and society, and how treatment can reduce the risk for many individuals who struggle with excess weight. He can also discuss the stigma associated with obesity and its inequitable impact on vulnerable communities.
To schedule an interview with Dietz please contact Rachel Larris at rlarris
gwu [dot] edu (rlarris[at]gwu[dot]edu)