Society Experts Brief Capitol Hill Staff on Obesity

On February 12, 2009 members of The Endocrine Society, in collaboration with Research!America, briefed congressional health policy staff about the prevention and treatment of obesity and engaged in discussions about possible legislative solutions to the problem. The briefing, “Are Americans Destined to be Fat for Life?” included presentations from Daniel Bessesen, MD, Chief of Endocrinology at the Denver Health Medical Center and Associate Director of the Colorado Center for Human Nutrition, and Myron Genel, MD, Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics and Senior Research Scientist at Yale University School of Medicine.  Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), a practicing nurse for more than 30 years before she was elected to Congress in 1996, sponsored the briefing and provided opening remarks on the importance of addressing the obesity epidemic.  The Society’s Advocacy and Public Outreach Core Committee Chair, Leonard Wartofsky, MD, provided an overview of obesity, including its link to endocrinology and the impact that it has on our nation.  Dr. Wartofsky also highlighted the work endocrinologists do, from bench to bedside, to combat the obesity epidemic.  Stacie Propst, Vice President of Science Policy and Outreach for Research!America, spoke about the importance of generating public support for obesity research and prevention efforts.

As a physician and clinical researcher, Dr. Bessesen was able to provide the audience with a first-hand account of the struggles that endocrinologists face when treating overweight and obese patients and the difficulties in identifying new and effective treatments.  Dr. Bessesen focused his discussion on the effectiveness of existing treatment options, particularly on the impact that these treatments have on co-morbidities such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.  He also outlined the challenges facing policymakers as they identify prevention opportunities that are effective at slowing the progression of the obesity epidemic but also cost-effective.

Dr. Genel, chair of the public policy council for a group of pediatric subspecialties, focused his discussion on public policy solutions to the obesity epidemic.  In addition to outlining the findings of recent reports on obesity, including The Endocrine Society’s guideline on Prevention and Treatment of Pediatric Obesity and two reports by the Institutes of Medicine, Dr. Genel discussed the Society’s specific policy objectives.  These objectives include increasing funding for research into new treatment and prevention methods for obesity, providing for adequate payment to physicians to treat overweight and obese patients, ensuring communities have adequate and safe opportunities for physical activity, and ensuring access to affordable nutritional food and drink.

The briefing illustrates the value of the Society’s investment in advocacy and public awareness around the issue of obesity. For the last several years, the Society has been working to educate Congress, the media, and the public about the role of endocrinology in fighting and treating obesity and the importance of research in this area.  These efforts have focused on advancing public policy solutions to the obesity epidemic that meet the needs of Society members and patients.  Through the briefing, the Society identified many new partners to engage in its advocacy efforts to stop the spread of obesity.

If you have any questions please contact Stephanie Kutler, Director, Government Affairs at 301-941-0254 or skutler@endo-society.org.