We can’t afford to ignore obesity care in California any longer

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OPINION – I have spent my career advocating for the millions of Californians living with chronic illnesses, which is why we must prioritize access to proven obesity treatments.

Obesity is a complex, chronic disease, recognized as such by the American Medical Association and numerous other medical authorities. It affects more than a quarter of California adults, and drives our state’s epidemics of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Science is clear: obesity is not about willpower, but about biology, environment, and access to care. Treating it requires a comprehensive approach, including access to anti-obesity medications (AOMs) that are proven to be effective.

GLP-1 medications are a breakthrough in obesity treatment. They help patients achieve and maintain meaningful weight loss, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and dramatically reduce the risk of developing costly, life-limiting conditions. For many Californians, these medications can be the only viable tool to help manage their disease and prevent serious complications.

We know the costs of untreated obesity are staggering. In 2022 alone, obesity and related conditions cost California’s economy $89.5 billion – 2.5% of our state’s GDP. Medi-Cal spent an additional $2.7 billion that same year on obesity-related complications. Research shows that Americans with obesity incur at least $2,800 more in annual medical expenses than those of average weight, with even greater costs among Medicaid beneficiaries. Achieving just a 5% to 25% weight loss could save California up to $77.9 billion in health care costs over the next decade. And treating obesity reduces the incidence of diabetes by 58%.

This is why the California Chronic Care Coalition is sponsoring Senate Bill 535 authored by Senator Laura Richardson (D-South Bay), also known as the Obesity Care Access Act, which would require health plans to cover a full continuum of evidence-based obesity treatment – from intensive behavioral therapy and bariatric surgery to at least one FDA-approved AOM. SB 535 is a commonsense solution that addresses a growing public health crisis, prioritizes prevention, and reduces long-term costs to our health care system.

Denying patients access to these tools – whether through narrow coverage criteria or outdated policies – is not just bad policy; it’s inhumane. It also hits our most vulnerable communities the hardest. According to Let’s Get Healthy California, obesity rates are highest among Californians in the lowest economic tiers, and among African American and Hispanic adults. Limiting coverage undermines our state’s commitment to health equity and chronic disease prevention. It tells patients they must get sicker, like developing diabetes or other complications, before they can access the care they need.

I know firsthand the challenges of managing obesity and diabetes. After years of struggling, I finally found a medication that worked for me. I lost 20 pounds, brought my diabetes under control and improved my overall health. Every Californian deserves the same chance – not just those who can afford to pay hundreds of dollars a month out-of-pocket.

California has always led the way in health care innovation. By supporting SB 535 and ensuring robust access to AOMs and other evidence-based treatments, we can advance health equity, reduce costs, and change lives for the better.

Obesity is a chronic disease – let’s treat it like one.

Liz Helms is the President & CEO of the California Chronic Care Coalition.