Women and the Obesity Epidemic
Proceedings from AMWA’s stakeholder roundtable to discuss the growing epidemic of obesity and its impact on women.
Why AMWA Is Working On Obesity
Obesity is a complex disease with serious co-morbidities, including cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. We aim to educate healthcare practitioners and the public about obesity, its co-morbidities, pathophysiology, and management- including lifestyle, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery.
The prevalence of obesity in the United States is 42.5% in adults.
Cardiometabolic Disease and Obesity in Women: A Stakeholder Summit
On February 29, 2024, American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) convened a stakeholder summit, Cardiometabolic Disease and Obesity in Women, bringing together nearly 100 professionals and patient advocates to The National Press Club in Washington, DC, with many more participants joining virtually from across the country.
It was thrilling to have 19 stellar speakers including two congresswomen, directors of federal agencies, leaders representing women’s health organizations and obesity advocacy organizations. View Proceedings
AMWA Endorses Obesity Bill of Rights
AMWA endorsed the Obesity Bill of Rights, created with a focus on the rights for all people to receive person-centered, quality obesity care.
This program is spearheaded by the National Consumers League and National Council on Aging.
AMWA Partners with the EveryBODY Covered Campaign
AMWA is a partner of the EveryBODY Covered campaign which is working to ensure that everybody has access to evidence-based obesity care options – just as with other chronic diseases.
This program is spearheaded by the Alliance for Women’s Health and Prevention.
Congressional Briefing: The Heart of It All – The Impact of Obesity on Cardiometabolic Health
AMWA hosted a Congressional Briefing to address the need for legislation that would support comprehensive treatment of obesity as a chronic disease.
Obesity Roundtable Proceedings: Women and the Obesity Epidemic
AMWA convened stakeholder organizations for a roundtable in 2022, including: ACOG ADCES, ABC, HealthyWomen, NPWH, NCOA, NON, NBNA PCNA, and WomenHeart.
Education & Resources
Access tools for obesity education for both practitioners and patients from our affiliate organization, the Obesity Medicine Association.
Obesity Competencies
AMWA worked with the Obesity Medical Education Collaborative on competencies for medical student and graduate education on obesity.
Advocacy
Join AMWA’s efforts to support legislation and policies that would improve access to obesity treatment. Be a voice for change.
Partnerships and Alliances
AMWA is a partner of various coalitions, including the Obesity Care Action Network, Obesity Action Coalition, Stop Obesity Alliance, and Obesity Care Week.
Outreach and Publications
AMWA members and allies are active in promoting education, research, publications, and presentations on obesity.