Over 40 percent of women in the U.S. are affected by obesity, yet only about 3 percent of those who are eligible for treatment actually receive evidence-based medical care. Various factors contribute to this discrepancy: limited insurance coverage, insufficient diagnosis, sociodemographic obstacles, and ingrained stigma. Consequently, a condition that is preventable and treatable continues to escalate into a significant public health crisis for women.

Previously regarded solely as a lifestyle concern, we have come to recognize that obesity is a chronic illness with numerous causes, often stemming from a complex interaction of metabolic, hormonal, and psychosocial systems, shaped by genetics and environmental influences. This acknowledgment clarifies that obesity is a serious medical issue that necessitates evidence-based prevention and treatment approaches. Recent advancements in research and therapeutics now equip us with tools to tackle these fundamental biological mechanisms, offering hope for more effective, personalized care that can enhance long-term health outcomes.

Women experience obesity distinctively compared to men, encompassing hormonal changes and reproductive health factors, as well as disparities in access to diagnosis, treatment, and support. Life phases such as pregnancy, menopause, and older adulthood, alongside certain medications, can uniquely affect weight and health for women. The health repercussions are substantial: heightened risks of diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers, along with diminished quality of life. Too frequently, stigma and unconscious bias from society and the healthcare system amplify these hurdles, leaving women marginalized and inadequately treated.

Even though the overall obesity rates in the U.S. are comparable for both men and women, women show a higher prevalence of severe obesity. This is significant because obesity serves as a critical risk factor for cardiovascular disease (the leading cause of death among women), making the timely prevention and management of obesity vital for saving lives. Additionally, obesity fosters the onset and progression of other chronic conditions, including type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, osteoarthritis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, exacerbating long-term health threats. Unfortunately, women often encounter barriers to care that postpone diagnosis, restrict treatment choices, and permit the advancement of this chronic disease.

Throughout the nation, advocates in women’s health are striving for reform. Healthcare providers are promoting sex- and gender-specific research and education to ensure that care mirrors women’s biological realities and lived experiences. Advocates are urging policy changes to eliminate obstacles to care, such as coverage for medications and behavioral therapy that target the underlying causes of obesity. Health economists have utilized simulation models to demonstrate that addressing obesity can yield significant long-term cost savings, as well as various societal advantages. Public health leaders are endeavoring to eradicate stigma and unconscious bias by training clinicians to engage in compassionate, nonjudgmental discussions, ensuring that women feel supported rather than shamed when they seek care.

Tackling obesity in women’s health extends beyond mere weight loss. It’s about guaranteeing that all patients have access to necessary care. This involves ensuring coverage for a variety of evidence-based treatments, ranging from lifestyle and behavioral interventions to medications and surgical options. It also entails training clinicians to engage in open, respectful dialogues about weight. Moreover, it necessitates funding research that addresses the gender gap in our understanding of obesity. We cannot afford to ignore the needs of half the population during this public health crisis. Supporting the ongoing efforts to reform obesity care for women is not just beneficial medicine; it’s a public health necessity.

Eliza Chin, Kathryn Schubert, Millicent Gorham, Elizabeth Battaglino, and Ramsey Alwin are leaders in the nonprofit sector.