by Living with obesity comes with an increased risk of several health problems, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). People with obesity are also more likely to experience sleep problems, including sleep apnea, and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and negative body image, research shows.
Due to increased awareness of these and other health concerns, many Americans who have struggled with their weight are determined to do something about it. According to the results of a survey published in Obesity Surgery and Related Diseases, 1 in 5 respondents reported that they were more likely to start a discussion with their doctor about weight after the COVID-19 pandemic, and 14 percent were willing to try options they hadn’t before, including prescription medications and surgery weight loss.
“Attitudes regarding obesity treatments are changing, and for the better,” says Marina Kurian, MD, president of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). “Obesity is a complex chronic disease that requires a multidisciplinary approach to care that includes medical, nutritional, behavioral and psychosocial support and counseling to achieve the best possible outcomes.”
Of course, for most people, losing weight is definitely easier said than done. “No one plan works for everyone so it’s important to find what works for you,” says Kimberly Gomer, RD, a Miami-based weight management coach. The best approach is to consult a doctor, dietician or other medical professional about diet and lifestyle changes you can implement in your life.
Once you’ve done that, you might also want to look into support organizations, which can help you connect with like-minded people, get support for common goals, and feel heard. “Trying to make lifestyle changes can be confusing and overwhelming,” says Gomer. “Many people can benefit from the support and accountability they find in support groups.”
There are a number of organizations that provide support for individuals struggling with obesity. To find one you want to work with, Gomer recommends doing a little research and being open. “The vibe is different depending on each group, so it may be trial and error,” she says. “There are a lot of groups out there, but whether one group is better than another is a personal choice.”
The following eight obesity support organizations are a good starting point and offer many resources to help you on your health journey.
1. The Obesity Action Coalition
The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) is a national non-profit organization dedicated to representing those affected by obesity. The group focuses on raising awareness and improving access to effective ways to prevent and treat obesity, provide education on evidence-based interventions, and combat stigma and weight bias to ensure that every little person is treated fairly regardless of size. The OAC offers a number of support and advocacy tools, including community discussion forums where you can connect with others on a similar health journey, a video library and written accounts from individuals sharing their personal stories. several, and an action center full of resources to help you use your voice to urge local, state and federal legislators to prioritize obesity care.
2. American Obesity Foundation
With compassion and empathy at its core, the American Obesity Foundation (AOF) is committed to combating the obesity epidemic in the United States with particular concern for vulnerable low-income and underserved communities. AOF initiatives include implementing wellness programs in schools, houses of worship, and community centers; mobile clinics offering health screenings, nutrition classes, and health education; and community wellness coaches who are long-time residents of the communities they serve and have special training in cultural sensitivities for the populations they work with. The organization’s site also offers an inspiring array of success stories, detailing how each person lost weight through their own unique journey.
3. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Founded in 1917, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals, representing more than 112,000 accredited nutrition and dietetics practitioners. It is a trusted source of all information related to food and nutrition, and the Academy is committed to promoting the health and well-being of the country, including reducing the effects of obesity. Her website offers many nutritious, well-balanced recipes for every meal, meal planning tips, and dietary recommendations for living well with chronic health conditions.
4. American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
The mission of this group, the nation’s largest in the specialty of metabolic and bariatric surgery, is to “improve public health and wellness by reducing the burden of obesity and related diseases worldwide.” Founded by surgeons in 1983, the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery now has more than 4,000 members and its own scientific journal, Obesity Surgery and Related Diseases. In addition to promoting the understanding and professional treatment of obesity and metabolic and bariatric surgery, ASMBS promotes education about these conditions and advocates for patients to receive the best quality treatment.
5. Overeaters Anonymous
Available in over 40 countries, Overeaters Anonymous is a community of individuals recovering from an unhealthy relationship with food and body image. There are several ways to get involved in this community, including joining a 12-step program (such as Alcoholics Anonymous) and participating in face-to-face, online and telephone meetings. On the organization’s website you will also find videos and podcasts, including episodes in Spanish and for young adults, as well as personal stories of recovery.
6. Obesity Care Action Network
Founded in 2015, the Obesity Care Action Network (OCAN) is an advocacy network dedicated to changing how obesity is perceived and addressed in the United States. It is comprised of a diverse group of organizations whose primary goals are to improve access to evidence-based treatments, eliminate stigma and weight bias, and foster innovation for new obesity interventions. On their website, you can find facts and data on obesity, read news stories on advances in obesity legislation and the latest scientific research on obesity care, and find advocacy opportunities.
7. Matters related to Obesity
The Canadian-based organization Obesity Matters is made up of individuals with obesity who are now working to provide education on healthy weight interventions, address weight bias, and empower others to connect with people. like-minded through their health journey. It is a member organization that can be joined at no cost and offers a number of resources including community forums, support groups, and the latest science-based information about obesity. You can also participate in a series of wellness workshops, learn about advocacy opportunities, and get information on how to join a clinical trial.
8. STOP Obesity Alliance
The Obesity Alliance Strategies to Overcome and Prevent Obesity (STOP) is comprised of consumer, government, business and advocacy organizations committed to reversing the national obesity epidemic in the US care and prevention, developing patient and provider tools for respectful conversations, productive in facilitating weight, and supporting policies that increase and improve access to obesity-related care.
Everyday Health‘s Weight Loss Reframing Survey surveyed 3,144 Americans nationwide age 18 and older who had tried to lose weight in the previous six months. The study was conducted between July 10 and August 18, 2023, across demographic groups, gender and health conditions. Survey recruitment was done through an online portal, an app and email. The margin of error for the sample size of 3,144 is +/- 1.7 percent at the 95 percent confidence level.
