%0 Journal Article
%T Inadequate insurance coverage for overweight/obesity management.
%A Miller E
%A Edelman S
%A Campos C
%A Anderson JE
%A Parkin CG
%A Polonsky WH
%J Am J Manag Care
%V 30
%N 8
%D 2024 Aug
%M 39146485
%F 3.247
%R 10.37765/ajmc.2024.89587
%X <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>To discuss the social, psychological, and access barriers that inhibit weight loss, and to propose steps and initiatives for addressing the growing obesity epidemic.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Narrative review of the obesity epidemic in the US and associated racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>An internet search of relevant studies and government reports was conducted.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>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.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>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.