Advocacy

Obesity

August 15, 2025

Our Goal: To reduce the prevalence of obesity through improved clinical care and support for obesity research funding.

Why We Care

The global obesity epidemic is on the rise, and endocrinologists are at the forefront of diagnosing its underlying causes and prescribing treatment plans. The Endocrine Society works to reduce the prevalence of obesity, identify policy options to address obesity, and advocate for access to affordable care. Learn more about the science of obesity and the obesity epidemic, by visiting the Obesity Topics page or reading our 2023 Thematic Issue on Obesity. Explore all of our obesity-related resources and initiatives at Focus on Obesity.

Position Statements Regarding Obesity

Endocrine Society and American Heart Association Hold Congressional Briefing on Obesity and Heart Disease, July 2025

Jonathan Q. Purnell, MD, Professor, Oregon Health and Science Center.

 

Joshua Joseph, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine at The Ohio State University Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. 

Video Briefings

Exploring Anti-Obesity Medications and Addressing Policy Challenges

  

Impact on Children and Adolescents

Recent Activity

  • In-Person Congressional Briefing (July 2025): The Endocrine Society and American Heart Association hosted an in-person congressional briefing on Obesity and Heart Health titled “Beyond the Scale: How GLP-1 Medications are Redefining Obesity and Heart Health.” Endocrine Society members Jonathan Purnell, MD and Joshua Joseph, MD educated attendees about obesity and the impact it has on heart disease. The speakers also discussed how GLP-1 medications and research showing how they can delay the onset of cardiovascular disease.
  • Obesity Playbook (April 2025): The Society released the latest version of its Obesity Playbook - an educational resource for Congressional offices to review as they consider legislation pertaining to obesity treatment and care.
  • Obesity Facts and Figures Statistics Flyer (March 2025): Review an adult obesity prevalence map for 48 states, the District of Columbia, and three US territories. The infographic also displays additional data points, collected by the CDC, on US adults with a body mass index greater than or equal to 30, based on self-reported weight and height.
  • Virtual Congressional Briefing (September 2023): Obesity In America: Exploring Anti-Obesity Medications and Addressing Policy Challenges
  • Virtual Congressional Briefing (July 2023): Obesity in America: Impact on Children and Adolescents
Last Updated:

Obesity Playbook
Read our “Obesity Playbook," updated April 2025. This educational resource on obesity and health is designed for Congressional staff, covering the latest facts and figures, the state of science, and policy options.

Obesity Playbook

Read our “Obesity Playbook," updated April 2025. This educational resource on obesity and health is designed for Congressional staff, covering the latest facts and figures, the state of science, and policy options.

Read More
Take Action

Make Your Voice Heard
We rely on your voice to advocate for our policy priorities. Join us to show our strength as a community that cares about endocrinology. Contact your US representatives or European Members of Parliament through our online platform. Take action and make a difference today.
Take Action

Make Your Voice Heard

We rely on your voice to advocate for our policy priorities. Join us to show our strength as a community that cares about endocrinology. Contact your US representatives or European Members of Parliament through our online platform. Take action and make a difference today.

Learn More
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Who We Are

For 100 years, the Endocrine Society has been at the forefront of hormone science and public health. Read about our history and how we continue to serve the endocrine community.