Inadequate insurance coverage for overweight/obesity management

Authors: Eden Miller, Steve Edelman, Carlos Campos, John E Anderson, Christopher G Parkin, William H Polonsky

Abstract

Objectives: To discuss the social, psychological, and access barriers that inhibit weight loss, and to propose steps and initiatives for addressing the growing obesity epidemic.

Study design: Narrative review of the obesity epidemic in the US and associated racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities.

Methods: An internet search of relevant studies and government reports was conducted.

Results: Obesity is a significant health crisis affecting more than 123 million adults and children/adolescents in the US. An estimated 1 in 5 deaths in Black and White individuals aged 40 to 85 years in the US is attributable to obesity. Obesity puts individuals at elevated risk for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, gastrointestinal disorders, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, cancer, respiratory ailments, dementia/Alzheimer disease, and other disorders. In the US, significantly more Black (49.9%) and Hispanic (45.6%) individuals are affected by obesity than White (41.4%) and Asian (16.1%) individuals. Health care costs for obesity account for more than $260 billion of annual US health care spending-more than 50% greater in excess annual medical costs per person than individuals with normal weight.

Conclusions: Addressing the obesity epidemic will require a multifaceted approach that focuses on prevention, treatment, and reducing the impact of stigma. Continued advocacy and education efforts are necessary to make progress and improve the health and well-being of individuals affected by obesity.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39146485/

Share the Post:

BDI Monthly Events

June 11Case Consultation
BDI hosts the San Diego-wide, monthly case consultation meeting (for mental health professionals working in the field of diabetes). Contact us at [email protected] if you are in the greater San Diego area and would like further information about this program.
June 20-23ADA 85th Scientific Sessions
It will be a busy time for BDI staff at the American Diabetes Association’s 85th Scientific Sessions (Chicago, IL). Exciting new study results to be presented, new projects to be discussed, and old friends to see.
June 21Above the Bias Panel
At the Abbott Diabetes Care booth at this years ADA Scientific Sessions in Chicago Il, Dr. Guzman, BDI Director of Clinical Education, will be moderating the panel discussion, Above the Bias.
June 22Using CGM in Diabetes Self-Care
At the American Diabetes Association’s 85th Scientific Sessions (Chicago, IL), Dr. Polonsky, BDI President, will be speaking on Tell Me Why—Using CGM to Drive Changes in Diabetes Self-Care. He also serves a co-author on six poster presentations on that day:
June 23EMBARK
At the American Diabetes Association’s 85th Scientific Sessions (Chicago, IL), Dr. Fisher, BDI Research Director, will present Reducing Diabetes Distress Leads to Positive Glycemic Change—Results from the EMBARK Trial
August 8-10TCOYD ONE
August 8 – 10. Taking Control of Your Diabetes (TCOYD) will be hosting the in-person ONE event, an amazing weekend experience here in San Diego for more than 500 people with type 1 diabetes and their loved ones. Dr. Polonsky is honored to be one of the presenters, and we will hope to see many of you there. There are still a few spaces left, so if you’d like to know more, please visit: