05-03-2025
Obesity Care Week 2025 Calls for Action on CMS Proposed Rule to Expand Access to Obesity Treatment
TAMPA, Fla., March 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As Obesity Care Week (OCW) 2025 continues, supporters nationwide are rallying behind the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Proposed Rule, which could expand Medicare Part D coverage to include FDA-approved obesity medications. If finalized, this rule would be a historic milestone in ensuring millions of Americans with obesity have access to the treatment they need.
Currently, Medicare does not cover anti-obesity medications, despite obesity being recognized as a chronic and treatable disease. This outdated policy leaves millions without medically recommended care, limiting their ability to manage their health effectively. Patients and healthcare professionals alike are calling on policymakers to support the CMS Proposed Rule and help close this dangerous gap in obesity treatment.
"Expanding access to obesity care through Medicare is long-overdue," said Tracy Zvenyach, Director of Policy Strategy and Alliances at Obesity Action Coalition (OAC). "Policymakers must recognize that treating obesity isn't just about weight—it's about improving overall health and reducing the burden of chronic diseases."
With OCW in full swing, individuals are encouraged to take action by sending a letter to President Trump, urging him and his administration to support the CMS Proposed Rule. Public momentum continues to grow, with more than 30,000 comments submitted to CMS—an overwhelming majority in favor of expanding access to obesity medications.
OCW is supported by Founding Champions, including the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC), Strategies to Overcome and Prevent (STOP) Obesity Alliance, The Obesity Society (TOS), American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), and the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA). It is also backed by more than 160 supporting Champion organizations and is sponsored by: Diamond—Eli Lilly and Company; Silver—Novo Nordisk; Bronze—Regeneron; Patron—Amgen, Genentech; Supporter—Boehringer Ingelheim, Boston Scientific, Currax Pharmaceuticals, Prosciento and Rhythm Pharmaceuticals.
Obesity is a disease. It's time to treat it like one. Take action today at
About Obesity Care Week:Launched in 2015, Obesity Care Week (OCW) is a national awareness campaign working to advance a science-based understanding of obesity and promote widespread access to respectful, comprehensive and appropriate care.
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SOURCE Obesity Action Coalition
