The first-ever “Obesity Bill of Rights” has been launched in the USA

In an unprecedented move to address the widespread and deeply rooted issue of obesity, which is the most prevalent and costly chronic disease across the United States, the National Consumers League (NCL) alongside the National Council on Aging (NCOA) have unveiled the nation’s inaugural Obesity Bill of Rights. This initiative, coupled with the establishment of the grassroots movement known as Right2ObesityCare, aims to instigate a profound shift in federal, state, and employer policies. The ultimate goal is to embed these rights within the framework of medical practice, ensuring that individuals with obesity receive comprehensive, non-discriminatory care as per medical guidelines.

Crafted through meticulous consultation with leading obesity experts and receiving endorsements from nearly 40 national bodies dedicated to obesity and chronic disease management, this Bill of Rights articulates eight fundamental entitlements. These entitlements guarantee that individuals with obesity are not only screened, diagnosed, and counselled but also treated in accordance with established medical guidelines. Moreover, it seeks to eradicate the pervasive issues of weight bias, ageism within healthcare settings, and the exclusionary practices of insurance providers and governmental bodies.

Sally Greenberg, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Consumers League, underscored the essence of the Obesity Bill of Rights, stating that it is designed to affirm the entitlement of all adults to quality obesity care. It empowers those afflicted by this disease to challenge and demand appropriate treatment free from any form of discrimination or prejudice, irrespective of their size or weight. Greenberg lamented the historical neglect and stigmatisation faced by individuals with obesity within the healthcare system, which has led to significant barriers in accessing care.

Echoing this sentiment, Patricia Nece, J.D., the Immediate Past Chair of the Obesity Action Coalition, shared her personal struggles with weight-related ridicule, highlighting the societal tendency to overlook the individual behind the weight.

Despite the American Medical Association’s recognition of obesity as a serious disease over a decade ago, a staggering number of American adults living with obesity remain undiagnosed. Out of an estimated 108 million adults, only 30 million have been diagnosed, and a mere 2% of those eligible for anti-obesity medications have received prescriptions. This lack of treatment has dire consequences, not only exacerbating the outcomes of over 230 obesity-related chronic conditions but also contributing to approximately 400,000 premature deaths annually and imposing an estimated $1.72 trillion burden on the U.S. economy.

The Obesity Bill of Rights introduces eight core rights aimed at catalysing transformative change and setting the standards for person-centred, quality care for individuals with obesity:

1. The Right to Accurate, Clear, Trusted, and Accessible Information on obesity as a treatable chronic disease.
2. The Right to Respect by all members of the integrated care team when screening, counselling, and providing treatment.
3. The Right to Make Treatment Decisions about one’s health goals and obesity care in consultation with the individual’s health providers.
4. The Right to Treatment from Qualified Health Providers including counselling and ongoing care from health providers with expertise in obesity care.
5. The Right to Person-Centred Care that is personalised, respects the individual’s cultural beliefs, meets their specific health goals, and considers the person’s whole health and not just their weight status.
6. The Right to Accessible Obesity Treatment from Health Systems, so those with severe obesity receive care in settings that allow for privacy, using size and weight-accessible equipment and diagnostic scans.
7. The Right for Older Adults to Receive Quality Obesity Care that comprises a respectful, comprehensive care approach consistent with their personalised medical needs.
8. The Right to Coverage for Treatment with access to the full range of treatment options for the person’s disease as prescribed by the individual’s health provider.
   

Ramsey Alwin, President and CEO of the NCOA, emphasised that these rights are foundational to ensuring that adults with obesity receive informed, respectful care, and comprehensive insurance coverage for treatments deemed necessary by their healthcare providers.

To promote the implementation of the Obesity Bill of Rights, the NCL and NCOA are spearheading the Right2ObesityCare movement. This campaign aims to engage a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including those with obesity, caregivers, health professionals, and policy-makers, through a variety of initiatives such as town halls, workshops, and advocacy forums. Additionally, efforts are underway to draft a model law that would facilitate the incorporation of the Obesity Bill of Rights into state legislation.

Prominent figures, including Rep. Brad Wenstrup and Rep. Gwen Moore, have voiced their support for legislative efforts to enhance obesity care and prevent associated health conditions. Their endorsements highlight the necessity of treating obesity as a chronic disease and ensuring that Americans can access holistic, high-quality care.

The development of the Obesity Bill of Rights was a comprehensive process that involved extensive research, community engagement, and expert consultations. The initiative has garnered initial support from 37 organisations, reflecting a wide endorsement from consumer, ageing, and public health sectors.

This groundbreaking initiative represents a pivotal step towards eradicating the stigma and discrimination faced by individuals with obesity, ensuring they receive the respect, care, and treatment they deserve.