8 Obesity Support Organizations to Help Improve Your Health

8 Obesity Support Organizations to Help Improve Your Health


Living with obesity comes with 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 troubles, including sleep apnea, and mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and negative body image, research shows.

Growing awareness about these and other health concerns has made many Americans who have struggled with their weight determined to do something about it. According to survey results published in Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases, 1 in 5 respondents reported being more likely to initiate a discussion with their physician about weight following the COVID-19 pandemic, and 14 percent were willing to try options they weren’t previously, including prescription medications and weight loss surgery.

“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 results.”

Of course, for most people, losing weight is certainly easier said than done. “No one plan works for everyone and so finding what works for you is critical,” says Kimberly Gomer, RD, a weight management coach based in Miami. The best approach is to consult a doctor, dietitian, or other medical professional about dietary and lifestyle changes that you can implement into your life.



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