by Living with obesity carries an increased risk of a number of 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 problems such as depression, anxiety and negative body image, research shows.
Growing awareness about these and other health issues has made many Americans who have struggled with their weight determined to do something about it. According to the results of a survey published in Surgery for obesity and related diseases, 1 in 5 respondents reported they were more likely to start a conversation with their doctor about weight after the COVID-19 pandemic, and 14 percent were willing to try options that weren’t available before, including prescription medications and surgery to lose weight.
“Attitudes about 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 easier said than done. “No plan works for everyone, so it’s critical to find the one that works for you,” says Kimberly Gomer, RD, a Miami-based weight management coach. The best approach is to consult a doctor, dietitian, or other medical professional about diet and lifestyle changes you can implement in your life.
Once you’ve done that, you may 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,” Gomer says. “Many people can benefit from the support and accountability they find in support groups.”
There are a number of organizations that provide support to people struggling with obesity. To find one you’d like to work with, Gomer suggests doing a little exploring and keeping an open mind. “The environment is different for each group, so it can be trial and error,” he says. “There are many groups, but it is an individual preference whether one group will be a better fit than another.”
The following eight obesity support organizations are a good starting point and offer many resources to help you on your path to health.
1. The Obesity Action Coalition
The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) is a national nonprofit 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, providing education on evidence-based interventions, and combating weight stigma and bias to ensure that all people are treated equally, regardless of its size. The OAC provides a number of support and advocacy tools, including community discussion forums where you can connect with others going through a similar health journey, a library of videos and written accounts from people sharing their personal stories, and an action center packed with resources to help you use your voice to urge local, state, and federal policymakers to prioritize obesity care.
2. American Obesity Foundation
With empathy and compassion at its core, the American Obesity Foundation (AOF) is committed to fighting the obesity epidemic in the United States, with special concern for vulnerable low-income and underserved communities. AOF initiatives include implementing wellness programs in schools, places 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 are specially trained in cultural sensitivities for the populations they work with. The organization’s site also offers an inspiring variety of success stories, detailing how each individual lost weight through her 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 credentialed nutrition and dietetics professionals. The Academy, a trusted source for all information related to food and nutrition, is committed to promoting the health and well-being of the country, including reducing the impacts of obesity. Their website offers numerous nutritious, well-balanced recipes for every meal, meal planning tips, and dietary recommendations for living well with chronic illnesses.
4. American Society for Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery
The mission of this group, the largest in the country for the specialty of metabolic and bariatric surgery, is “to improve public health and well-being by decreasing the disease 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. Surgery for obesity and related diseases. In addition to promoting the understanding and professional treatment of obesity and bariatric and metabolic surgery, ASMBS promotes education about these conditions and advocates for patients to receive the highest quality treatment.
5. Overeaters Anonymous
Available in over 40 countries, Overeaters Anonymous is a community of people recovering from an unhealthy relationship with food and body image. There are several ways to join this community, including participating in the 12-step program (much like Alcoholics Anonymous) and joining face-to-face, online, and telephone meetings. On the organization’s website you will also find videos and podcasts, including Spanish-language and young adult episodes, as well as personal stories of recovery.
6. Action network for obesity care
Founded in 2015, Obesity Care Action Network (OCAN) is an advocacy network committed to changing the way obesity is perceived and addressed in the United States. It is made up of a diverse group of organizations whose main goals are to improve access to evidence-based treatments, eliminate weight stigma and bias, and foster innovation for new obesity interventions. On their website, you can get facts and figures about obesity, read news about advances in obesity legislation and the latest scientific research on obesity care, and find promotional opportunities.
7. Obesity matters
The Canada-based organization Obesity Matters is made up of people who have lived with obesity and are now working to provide education on healthy weight interventions, combat weight bias, and empower others to connect with people like-minded throughout their health journeys. It is a member organization that is free to join and provides a range of resources including community forums, support groups, and the latest scientific information on obesity. You can also participate in a series of wellness workshops, learn about promotional opportunities, and learn how to join a clinical trial.
8. STOP Obesity Alliance
The Strategies to Overcome and Prevent Obesity (STOP) Alliance is made up of consumers, governments, businesses, and advocacy organizations dedicated to reversing the national obesity epidemic in the U.S. To move toward this goal, the Alliance is committed to conduct research to improve obesity. care and prevention, developing tools for patients and providers to better facilitate respectful and productive conversations about weight, and advocating for policies that increase access to and improve obesity-related care.
daily healthThe Restated Weight Loss Survey surveyed 3,144 Americans nationwide ages 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 all demographic groups, genders, and health conditions. Recruitment for the survey was conducted through an online portal, an app, and by email. The margin of error for the sample size of 3,144 is +/-1.7 percent at the 95 percent confidence level.
