To address a lack of appropriate, science and clinically-based care, the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC), The Obesity Society (TOS), the STOP Obesity Alliance , the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA), and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) have launched Obesity Care Week with a vision to create a society that understands, respects and accepts the complexities of obesity and values science and clinically-based care. OCW will achieve this vision to change the way we care about obesity by:
• Providing science and clinically-based education on obesity
• Advocating for access to affordable and comprehensive care
What is OCW?
OCW (Obesity Care Week) was founded in 2015 and has a global vision for a society that understands, respects and accepts the complexities of obesity and values science and clinically-based care.
MISSION:
To advance a science and clinically-based understanding of obesity and widespread access to respectful, comprehensive and appropriate care.
VISION:
A society that understands, respects and accepts the complexities of obesity and values science and clinically-based care.
Our Beliefs
- Weight bias in healthcare, employment, entertainment and education needs to end.
- Individuals with obesity need to work with a healthcare provider to manage their obesity long-term.
- Obesity is a chronic disease that needs access to and coverage of science-based treatment to improve an individual’s weight and health.
- Healthcare providers need training to provide effective, compassionate, science-based care and use shared decision-making.
- Providers and policy makers must recognize the need for further investment in the education, prevention and treatment of the disease of obesity.
Help Champion OCW2021
Obesity Care Week (OCW) was launched to help create a society that understands, respects and accepts the complexities of obesity and values science and clinically-based care. You and your organization can make a difference. Learn how you can help change the way we care about obesity by becoming a champion. https://www.obesitycareweek.org/joining-as-a-champion/
Statement of Need
Today, 93 million Americans are affected by the disease of obesity. For too long, people with obesity have been stigmatized, preventing the effective treatment of the disease. Half of people with obesity report they have never had a conversation about their weight with a healthcare professional (HCP), and only 4 in 10 patients say they have been counseled about their weight by a HCP.
The conversation about weight between healthcare providers and their patients is avoided for many reasons, including healthcare provider-based weight bias and a lack of knowledge regarding obesity’s impact on health.
