04 Oct 2022 BPC Action Urges Support for H.R. 1577/S. 596, the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2021  in Health

The United States faces a growing obesity epidemic impacting more than 4 in 10 adults, while obesity-related conditions—including heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, and cancer—are among the leading causes of preventable, premature death. Understanding the gravity of the situation, BPC and BPC’s Food and Nutrition Security Task Force have engaged in a series of projects to develop policy solutions to reverse these trends. In light of those efforts, BPC Action is pleased to support the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA) and urges Congress to take meaningful action to advance this legislation.  

TROA expands the services and treatments eligible for Medicare coverage to include: 

• Intensive behavioral therapy for obesity administered by providers other than primary care physicians, including registered dieticians, as recommended by BPC’s Food and Nutrition Security Task Force; and 

• Drugs used for weight loss management or the treatment of obesity. Our understanding and awareness of obesity as a chronic disease continues to grow, and there are now FDA-approved anti-obesity medications. Consistent with BPC recommendations, TROA would allow such medications to be considered for coverage under Medicare Part D. 

This bill will increase access to treatments that help combat obesity, making it easier for Americans of all ages and backgrounds to live longer, healthier lives. BPC Action encourages all members of Congress to work together to pass this important, bipartisan legislation.