Moving from IF to HOW on Investing in Obesity Care
After a day of a National Obesity Policy Forum at the Top of the Hill in Washington, it was plain that we have witnessed a profound shift in the conversation about policy to address obesity. No more lip service about nudging America to “eat healthy” as the answer to a high prevalence of this disease. The debate about investing in obesity care is no longer about whether to do it. Now the energy is focused on how to do it.
That was clear in the words of Representative Brad Wenstrup as he accepted an award his work in moving the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act through the House Ways and Means Committee this summer:
“We can save money if we can keep people well. Our mantra is to make America the healthiest country on the planet. This is why the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act is one of my key priorities.”
From Blame to Access
We found particular inspiration in the words of legislative staff who are doing the hard work of moving legislation forward. Conor Sheehey, a senior health policy advisor for the Senate Finance Committee, told more than 100 people assembled for yesterday’s policy forum:
“Ten years ago, we were blaming people and reluctant to think about obesity as a chronic condition. All that has changed.
“I have friends who are using these new medicines and it’s working miraculously for them. It’s changing their lives. I’ve never seen this before.”
Another noteworthy signal of change came in the panel addressing obesity for persons in active military service and veterans. A few years ago, we heard leadership talking about holding the line on “looking like a soldier” and dismissing any notion that obesity might be a medical condition that requires care. Yesterday we heard an embrace of access to care and a rejection of stigma. This is dramatic change.
A Foundation
As great as the shift has been, it did not materialized from thin air. Almost every policymaker talked about hearing for years from advocates – patients, clinicians, and scientists – to help them grow in their appreciation of the need for a better approach to obesity in health policy.
This is welcome progress toward seriously investing in obesity care. Many people have spent many years laying a firm foundation. They deserve our thanks and admiration.
For further perspective, click here, here, here, and here.
Representative Brad Wenstrup, photograph by Ted Kyle / ConscienHealth
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September 27, 2024
