by Britta Reierson, MD, FAAFP, DABOM
As family physicians, we are acutely aware of the multifaceted challenges our patients face when it comes to managing obesity. This disease is not just a matter of personal willpower but involves a complex interplay of genetics, environment and biology. It demands a comprehensive approach, and we are often the ones leading the charge in treating and supporting those affected. We are also the ones trying our best to treat this disease while our patients experience barriers to getting the care they need.
One significant barrier we encounter is limited access to effective treatments, particularly for our Medicare beneficiaries. This is where the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA) comes into play. As the bill moves through the legislative process, it represents a crucial opportunity to enhance our ability to provide comprehensive, evidence-based care for patients struggling with obesity.
TROA ADDRESSES GAPS IN OBESITY CARE
TROA aims to address two significant gaps in the treatment of obesity for Medicare beneficiaries:
- Access to Intensive Behavioral Therapy (IBT): Obesity is a chronic disease that requires more than just periodic advice about diet and exercise. IBT, which includes structured counseling and support, has been shown to significantly improve outcomes. However, Medicare coverage for IBT is currently limited, leaving many patients without the resources they need to achieve sustainable weight loss and better health outcomes.
- Coverage for FDA-Approved Anti-Obesity Medications: For many patients, behavioral interventions alone are not sufficient. FDA-approved anti-obesity medications play a critical role in managing obesity, particularly for those who have struggled with other approaches. Unfortunately, Medicare Part D coverage for these medications is not consistently available, which creates a significant financial burden for patients who need these treatments to manage their condition effectively.
AAFP SUPPORTS TROA AND OBESITY CARE
The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) strongly supports TROA and recognizes that obesity is a complex, chronic disease that requires a multifaceted approach for effective management.
By advocating for TROA, the AAFP is…
- Championing policies that will enhance access to crucial treatments, like IBT and FDA-approved anti-obesity medications, which are essential for improving patient outcomes.
- Reflecting its commitment to supporting evidence-based interventions that align with the best practices in obesity care.
As family physicians, we are on the front lines of addressing this epidemic, and we understand the critical need for comprehensive coverage to ensure our patients receive the care they need.
TROA MOVES WITH BIPARTISAN SUPPORT
TROA successfully passed the first hurdle in the legislative process, receiving broad bipartisan support from the House Ways and Means Committee (in June 2024). This initial approval is a significant step forward and underscores the growing recognition of the need for improved access to obesity treatments.
The wide bipartisan backing of TROA is a testament to the shared understanding of the importance of this issue across party lines. It reflects a unified commitment to addressing the obesity epidemic and improving health outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries.
EFFECTIVE OBESITY CARE CAN IMPROVE HEALTH AND QUALITY OF LIFE
Obesity is not just about weight; it’s about health. It is associated with a range of serious health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers. Effective management of obesity can lead to significant improvements in overall health and quality of life, and it can help prevent or manage these associated conditions.
By supporting TROA, we are advocating for a policy that recognizes obesity as a serious, chronic disease and provides the necessary tools for effective management. This bill will not only improve access to vital treatments but also align with the best practices in obesity care.
GET INVOLVED: SUPPORT TROA
There are several ways you can support the passage of TROA:
- Contact Your Legislators: Reach out to your representatives and senators to express your support for TROA. Share your experiences and explain how the bill will impact your patients. Find who represents you and how to contact them at www.gis.lcc.mn.gov/iMaps/districts.
- Educate Your Colleagues: Spread the word about TROA and its significance. The more we advocate as a unified community, the stronger our voice will be. Follow the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2023 (H.R. 4818) and its progress through the legislative process at www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/4818.
- Engage with Advocacy: Partner with organizations that are supporting TROA and participate in advocacy efforts. The Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP), AAFP and Obesity Action Coalition have resources to support you: mafp.org/advocacy, aafp.org/advocacy, www.obesityaction.org, www.rethinkobesity.com. Your involvement can help drive momentum for the bill’s passage.
TROA is a crucial step forward in the fight against obesity. As family physicians, we are at the forefront of treating this complex disease, and we understand the importance of having access to comprehensive, effective treatments. With TROA passing the Ways and Means Committee and gaining bipartisan support, we are closer than ever to ensuring that Medicare beneficiaries receive the care they need.
Let’s join together to advocate for this important legislation and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients.
Britta Reierson, MD, FAAFP, DABOM, is a family physician and obesity medicine specialist dedicated to providing holistic, comprehensive and weight-inclusive health care at Knownwell Health (www.knownwell.co). She is passionate about patient-centered care, advocacy and education in the field of obesity medicine. Her goal is to remove inequity, stigma, bias and barriers to care across the health care ecosystem. Reierson is also active in the MAFP and a member of the MAFP Foundation Board of Directors. Reierson can be reached at britta.reierson@knownwell.health.
Want to learn more about treating obesity as a chronic disease? Reierson recommends checking out the Obesity Medicine Association at obesitymedicine.org and Obesity Society at www.obesity.org.
“Why the Treat & Reduce Obesity Act Matters” originally appeared in the fall 2024 Minnesota Family Physician magazine.
