The Society and members of the Obesity Care Action Network conducted educational briefings at both the Republican and Democratic Conventions to educate policymakers about obesity, change mindsets, and increase support for access to evidence-based obesity care.
Through these efforts, the goal is to make more members of Congress aware of and support the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act, which would enable specialists to provide intensive behavioral counseling for obesity and would provide Part D coverage for weight loss drugs. At the briefing, the Society also will highlight policy priorities for the coming year, which include diabetes prevention and coverage issues, the need for increased NIH funding, and opportunities to educate the public about endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
The Endocrine Society looks forward to continuing to stress the importance of a comprehensive approach to addressing chronic diseases with policymakers and there are plans to host a congressional briefing in September on how obesity has impacted children in America.