Dr. Maria Abreu: Obesity is Not a Lifestyle
The Miller School of Medicine director of the Crohn’s and Colitis Center and first Latina president of the American Gastroenterological Association touts common-sense solutions for obesity in Hispanic Americans.
For more than two decades, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has called for action on obesity, and yet for more than two decades obesity rates have continued to rise, particularly for Hispanic Americans. Hispanics are one of the fastest-growing populations in the U.S., so turning the tide on our community’s obesity rates and corresponding diseases can impact the health of the entire country. However, obesity has been misunderstood for years and we need new strategies to treat this serious disease.
Nearly 42% of American adults and 47% of Hispanic adults have obesity — and obesity rates continue to increase rapidly — yet it remains misunderstood as a disease. Many believe it can be cured with more willpower, diet and exercise, but this is false. Research has proven that obesity is a chronic medical condition that impacts multiple systems of the body — cardiovascular, endocrine, psychological and gastroenterological — to name just a few.
The evidence is clear. Effectively treating and managing obesity requires a more nuanced, multifaceted approach. Some data suggest that genetic differences combined with the artificial ingredients in ultra-processed foods may make Hispanic people more susceptible to obesity.
A Spectrum of Treatment for Obesity
Many people living with obesity believe their treatment options are limited to lifestyle changes or surgery, but there is a comprehensive spectrum of treatment options available. Unfortunately, many effective weight-loss programs, services and treatments are not covered by insurance plans. To add insult to injury, current Medicare rules deny access to millions of Americans to some of the most effective obesity care. That means that countless people cannot access the care they vitally need.
After decades of misunderstanding, we need to support the resources and treatments that we know can help the Hispanic community and millions of other Americans. Reach out to your elected officials and encourage them to support the passage of the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act.
—Dr. Maria Abreu
As a Hispanic provider who treats many Hispanic patients, this issue is critical to me, since obesity and obesity-related health problems, like liver disease, disproportionately affect my community. Maintaining a healthy weight is a vital way to improve obesity-related health problems and reverse or prevent certain conditions before they become severe. However, maintaining a healthy weight can be impossible without access to affordable, effective care.
The challenges in accessing obesity medications and treatments are exacerbating health inequities in the Hispanic community. In Miami, we are seeing patients whose insurance doesn’t cover obesity medications resorting to the black market to obtain medication. This dangerous situation demonstrates just how urgently many Hispanic patients are searching for solutions.
Furthermore, some insurance plans don’t cover other obesity treatments, like counseling by nutritionists. Medicare is an essential program for millions of older Hispanics, and they deserve access to the most up-to-date and effective resources.
“It’s Time to Take Action”
I care for a patient with poorly controlled Crohn’s disease who is from Colombia. Her family is sending her black market Wegovy® for her to lose weight. She has not yet been able to lose any weight and we are not sure if this is the real medication.
It’s time to change how we view and manage obesity in the U.S. The bipartisan Treat and Reduce Obesity Act would expand Medicare coverage to include prescription drugs for chronic weight management, behavioral counseling and other prevention and treatment options. Because many private insurance companies model their covered health benefits to reflect Medicare coverage, the passage of the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act could lead to increased obesity care coverage for all Americans.
After decades of misunderstanding, we need to support the resources and treatments that we know can help the Hispanic community and millions of other Americans. This legislation would be a critically important first step in the right direction. It’s time to take action. Reach out to your elected officials and encourage them to support the passage of the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act.
Tags: Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, Dr. Maria Abreu, obesity