Obesity is a chronic disease. Ohio needs to treat it like one with medication | Opinion
Obesity is a significant health issue across the country. Lives are being shortened due to obesity and the medical complications associated with being overweight. In the U.S., nearly 42% of adults and as many as 14.7 million children and adolescents are living with obesity.
Here in Ohio, 70% of our state’s adults have obesity or are overweight, making Ohio rank 11th for obesity prevalence in the nation. Additionally, there are over 128,000 fewer adults in the workforce because of obesity-related issues. The financial toll is also alarming, with obesity reducing economic activity in Ohio by about $19.5 billion and impacting the state budget by $1.8 billion.
Behind all these statistics are stories of real people struggling with their disease but also living with resilience and hope.
Mine is one of those stories. After years of grappling with obesity and its associated health challenges, including prediabetes, my doctor prescribed a GLP-1 obesity medication. Over the past year, I have lost more than 75 pounds, which is nearly 25% of my starting body weight. My A1C (average blood sugar levels) has dropped nearly a full point, putting me well below the prediabetes range. My cholesterol readings are now in the normal range, and I have reduced my blood pressure medications and eliminated metformin entirely.
These changes have not only improved my physical health, but also given me a renewed sense of control and confidence. No longer do I have to request a seat belt extender when I fly or ask to be seated at a table rather than a booth.
Obesity is recognized as a chronic disease by many of the leading medical organizations. The scientific world does not accept obesity as a lifestyle choice, a character flaw or a willpower issue. Obesity requires treatment, just like diabetes, cancer and high blood pressure.
We can no longer responsibly prescribe diet and exercise as the sole treatment for obesity because it doesn’t work for many. Comprehensive treatment, including medications and/or surgery, combined with diet and exercise, has proven to be the most effective approach. If we don’t investigate additional treatments beyond lifestyle changes, many people suffering from being overweight and obesity are likely to develop other chronic conditions.
I am fortunate to have good insurance and access to modern GLP-1 medications. However, many enrolled in Medicaid are not as lucky and find these medications to be out of reach.
In my capacity as director of state government affairs for the American Diabetes Association (ADA), I represent the ADA in policy matters before the Ohio General Assembly. In Ohio, the Ohio Administrative Code (Rule 5160-9-03) prohibits Medicaid coverage of “drugs for the treatment of obesity.” This creates a significant barrier for people with low incomes, despite the fact that this population is disproportionately affected by obesity and its related health complications. Unable to afford to pay the out-of-pocket costs, their access to these treatments is blocked.
The ADA, along with health care professionals, patients and health organizations, is encouraging Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Medicaid to extend coverage for these evidence-based medications to treat obesity and help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Expanding Medicaid coverage of obesity medications would improve the health and wellbeing of Ohioans and build a stronger, more productive workforce.
Progress is being made across the country toward expanding access to obesity medications, as some states have already adopted policies to cover obesity medications such as Saxenda, Wegovy and Zepbound through their Medicaid programs. It is time for Ohio to join this movement. Enacting Medicaid coverage for obesity medications would improve health outcomes and reduce long-term health care costs by preventing complications.
Obesity is a public health issue that requires system-wide solutions. As someone who has experienced the transformative impact of effective obesity treatment, I urge policymakers to act. Let’s break down barriers and ensure all Ohioans have the tools they need to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Gary Dougherty is the director of state government affairs for the American Diabetes Association. He lives in Powell and is a graduate of Kent State University.