Obesity Action Coalition Blog

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The January 2010 Obesity Action Alert is Now Online! Click here to read more. >>>

The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) is pleased to announce Barbara Thompson, MLS, as the new chairperson of the Coalition. Ms. Thompson has been a member of the OAC since its beginning in 2005 and has held a position on the board of directors for the past four years. Ms. Thompson’s undeniable passion in fighting for those affected by obesity stems from her own battle with the global epidemic.

“Being obese or morbidly obese is not just about wearing it on your body. I was affected by obesity for many years and I can tell you firsthand that there are many other facets of obesity that are often overlooked, such as weight stigma and discrimination. I am a proud member of the OAC and I am grateful that I have been elected chairperson of this incredible organization. I look forward to serving the members of the OAC and representing all those battling obesity,” said Barbara Thompson, OAC Chairperson.

Founder of the WLS Center, Inc., Ms. Thompson is an accomplished author and speaker. Since 2001, Ms. Thompson has been speaking nationally to thousands of individuals seeking information on obesity, support and education. Ms. Thompson has served as a consultant for Wall Street Journal, CNN and featured in People Magazine and on ABC’s Nightline. Often referred to as the “Voice of Obesity,” Ms. Thompson is no stranger to helping the obese and empowering them to seek a better quality of life and health.

“Barbara brings something special to the role of chairperson for the OAC. She brings with her an absolute true passion for the rights of those affected. She is an excellent fit for the OAC as her passions echo the concerns and needs of the Coalition members,” said Joseph Nadglowski, OAC President and CEO.

The OAC also welcomes four new directors for the 2010-2012 board terms. They are as follows: Ted Kyle, RPh, MBA, Walter Lindstrom, Jr., Esq., Tracy Martinez, RN and Lloyd Stegemann, MD, FASMBS.

For more information on the OAC Board of Directors, please click here.

During December, the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) joined with dozens of other organizations in supporting a House resolution sponsored by Representatives Marcia Fudge (D-OH) and Kay Granger (R-TX) that would designate the month of September as Childhood Obesity Awareness Month.

We encourage YOU to become actively involved in this effort to pass the Fudge/Granger resolution. Please click here to Take Action today!

The January issue of Your Weight Matters Magazine is now online! January topics include the following:

• Weight and Sports
• Eating Healthy on a Budget
• The Wear and Tear of Obesity on Your Joints
• Congress and Childhood Obesity
• and much more!

To view the January issue, click here.

Learn how Washington insiders, industry leading wellness advocates, world renowned employer groups are implementing forward-thinking reimbursement models and behavioral modification incentives to reverse the continually growing obesity epidemic at the 4th Annual Obesity Congress on September 30 – October 2, 2009 in Alexandria, VA.

Presenting at the Obesity Congress:
Jim Fivecoat, Chair, Obesity Action Coalition (OAC); Manager, Retirement Plans, Michelin North America

Jim offers more than 34 years of career experience in business. The past 30 years have kept him involved in Personnel, Organization Development and Benefits for a major international manufacturer, with more than 36,000 employees and retirees in the USA. He currently manages retirement plans with more than $4 billion in assets and monthly payments of more than $14 million. In addition he is a member of his company’s Benefits Policy Committee and the Investment Committee. Jim has an MBA from Kent State University, and has done extensive post-graduate work with the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland. He is currently Chairman of the Board for the OAC and on the Board of the Surgical Review Corporation.

Register by August 28, 2009 with promotional code PPS642 and save an extra $300 on the current registration fee! Click here to register today! For more information on the meeting, please click here.

The August issue of Obesity Action Alert is now online. Please click here to view.

Attention OAC Facebook Fans, Members and Friends: The OAC Web site is currently undergoing routine maintenance and will be unavailable for a period of 24-48 hours. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.

As the “Weight of the Nation” conference comes to an end, I thought I would share a few final thoughts. I really am truly appreciative of the leadership of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the obesity prevention issue. It is quite reassuring to know that there is a group looking at some of the social determinants (socioeconomic issues, transportation, food supply, etc.) that lead to our environment where obesity is so prevalent.

With that being said, I still think at the same time we need to have a similar focus on intervening with or treating obesity. Throughout the meetings, I heard great examples of environmental prevention efforts that appear to be working, but we also need to hear about obesity intervention efforts and what is working and not working as well. Hosting a similar meeting on the treatment of obesity with the widespread support of both the CDC and public policy makers will be something I will be encouraging officials to do in the near future.

Thanks to all of you who followed my remarks on the OAC blog and on Facebook. If you would like to see the OAC utilize our blog and Facebook in a similar fashion in the future, please let us know by emailing info@obesityaction.org as we always appreciate feedback and constructive criticism.