A coalition of industry organizations is pressing employers to offer coverage for obesity as they would for other chronic conditions.
Groups that signed on to the open letter (PDF) include the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions, the Obesity Care Advocacy Network and the National Consumers League. All told, 68 organizations are included.
In the letter, the groups note that comprehensive coverage for obesity care can play a critical role in supporting people who are struggling with their weight. A 2024 study from GlobalData also found that obesity costs employers $425.5 billion each year.
Managing obesity could also lower costs for employers by addressing absenteeism and increasing productivity due to overall better health, according to the letter.
The letter weas compiled as part of the Alliance for Women's Health and Prevention's (AWHP's) "EveryBODY Covered" initiative, which seeks to advocate to expand coverage for obesity care.
"Employers have been making great strides in supporting employees living with obesity, and we want to see that momentum continue so that even more employees—and especially women—nationwide can access the care they need," said Millicent Gorham, Ph.D., CEO of the AWHP, in a press release.
"Covering obesity care is about prevention. If you prioritize preventing breast cancer, heart disease, mental health issues or hundreds of other diseases, then you should also prioritize obesity care," Gorham said. "Employees are eager for obesity to be treated like the chronic disease that it is."
The letter notes that women, particularly those of color, are especially affected by obesity, making enhanced coverage also a health equity imperative. Obese women earned 12% less than those who did not have obesity, according the AWHP, and they are less likely to be promoted at work.
The AWHP conducted a survey last year that found a third of women feel that living with obesity is hindering their career path and goals.
Employers can prioritize obesity by recognizing it as a chronic disease that can be driven by factors outside of a person's control and by working against weight bias at all levels of the enterprise. Employers can also review their benefits packages to identify gaps where support could be improved and clearly communicate that obesity care is a priority to benefit administrators, according to the letter.
While just 22% of employers believe obesity is a chronic condition for which medication should be covered, about half said they currently are or are considering coverage for these drugs, per the letter.
"Obesity not only negatively impacts individuals living with the disease, it has significant costs for employers and places a serious strain on our health system," said Shawn Gremminger, CEO of the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions, in the release. "As employers of all sizes continue to face competing priorities when it comes to supporting the health and well-being of employees, it is imperative that stakeholders across the ecosystem come together to implement sustainable strategies to provide comprehensive care for those living with the chronic disease of obesity."