| Bringing you OAC's latest news, stories and opportunities so you can stay connected |
|  | January 2026 Monthly Updates: This month, OAC opened room block reservations for the Your Weight Matters National Convention and is excited to start bringing Your Weight Matters Regional events to cities across the U.S. very soon! Keep reading to explore new educational resources, stay up to date on advocacy efforts and learn how you can get involved with the OAC Community. |
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| | National Convention Room Reservations Are Now Open! |
| Planning your convention experience starts now — room reservations for the Your Weight Matters National Convention (July 23–25) are officially open. This is your opportunity to stay where the action is, just steps away from three impactful days of education, connection and inspiration with the OAC Community. From expert-led sessions to meaningful conversations with fellow attendees, every moment counts and availability at the exclusive OAC rate is limited. |
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| | Your Weight Matters Regional: Free, Trusted Support Near You |
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| You are not alone. Your Weight Matters Regional is a free, four-hour, in-person event offering science-backed education on weight management, nutrition and mental health in a supportive, judgment-free space. No gimmicks — just real information, practical tools and connection. Enjoy free parking, free breakfast and $150 in giveaways. Learn more and find an event near you. |
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| | Finding Hope Again Through Thrive Together |
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| The Thrive Together Youth and Families Program at Your Weight Matters 2025 offered more than a weekend experience — it created connection and hope for teens and families. Designed for youth and caregivers, the program provides a supportive space where teens feel seen, understood and accepted, while families learn and grow together. For Jess Perreca Jr., seeing Thrive Together in action was deeply personal. It reflected the kind of mentorship and support he once needed as a child — but this time, delivered through a program built to last. |
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| Through structured sessions, peer connection and parent involvement, Thrive Together offers ongoing support that helps young people thrive emotionally and physically. The message is clear: no young person should face their journey alone. Thrive Together continues to build a community where youth and families belong, heal and grow together. “Healing starts when we feel safe enough to thrive.” — Jess Perreca Jr. |
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| | Make Your Voice Heard: Obesity Care Week 2026 Virtual Hill Day |
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| Join advocates nationwide on March 5 for Obesity Care Week 2026 Virtual Hill Day. Participants will urge Congress to improve access to comprehensive, evidence-based obesity care. No prior experience is needed, and training will be provided. Add your voice, share your experience and stand up for respectful, effective obesity care. Register by January 30th. |
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| | OAC Contributes to Global Effort on Weight Bias Research OAC proudly participated in the International Weight Bias Summit, bringing together global experts and advocates to shape the future of weight bias research. The Summit identified key priorities including clarity in concepts and methods, interventions, policy, implementation science, diversity in research and understanding the consequences of weight bias. Read the full findings here. |
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CMS Update: The BALANCE Model CMS has announced the voluntary BALANCE Model, a new initiative exploring expanded access to obesity care for people enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid, including certain GLP-1 medications paired with evidence-based lifestyle supports. While details are still emerging, this signals a meaningful step toward improving access to obesity treatment. OAC will continue to monitor and share updates. |
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| OAC Educational Resources |
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| Catch the Latest Health Talk: Obesity and Migraines |
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| Obesity and migraines are closely connected, and understanding this link can improve overall wellness. Watch our latest Health Talk with Dr. Karissa Thal, MD, a primary care physician certified in advanced headache diagnosis and management, to learn about the connection between obesity and migraines, the role of diet, exercise and practical steps to support better health — essential for anyone living with migraines or wanting to understand the impact of weight on health. Watch Now! |
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| | Learn about the American Heart Association’s
Healthy Living BEYOND Weight™ Study! |
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| OAC is excited to announce that we are collaborating with the American Heart Association on Healthy Living BEYOND Weight™, a groundbreaking, nationwide study exploring weight and well-being. The Healthy Living BEYOND Weight™ study will help us learn more about how different approaches to managing weight, such as new medications and lifestyle changes, affect health over time. By sharing your voice, you can contribute to research that will transform care and support healthier lives. |
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| Help us go above & BEYOND. Learn more or enroll today. OAC is a proud collaborator of the American Heart Association’s Healthy Living BEYOND Weight™ Study. |
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| | Leave a Lasting Legacy with Planned Giving Your legacy can make a meaningful difference for people affected by obesity. By including the Obesity Action Coalition in your estate plans, you help strengthen our mission to educate, empower and advocate for the community long into the future. Planned giving lets you make a contribution that reflects your values and extends your impact beyond your lifetime. Give now through planned giving and leave a lasting mark that carries your support forward. |
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| | | OAC Corporate Council The OAC's Corporate Council recognizes companies and organizations who support our mission and play an integral role in helping us provide education, advocacy and support. This month, we want to thank Genentech for renewing at the Gold level, Boston Scientific for renewing at the Silver level, Madrigal Pharmaceuticals for renewing at the Bronze level and Structure Therapeutics Inc for renewing at the Silver level. Click here to learn more about the OAC Corporate Council. |
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| Only a Few Days Left to Upgrade or Renew for $20 Time is running out! Take advantage of our special anniversary rate and upgrade or renew your OAC Community+ Membership for just $20 before January 31st. As a Community+ Member, you’ll gain access to exclusive resources, educational programs, advocacy opportunities and a supportive network of people affected by obesity. Connect and learn while enjoying all the benefits the OAC Community+ has to offer. |
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| | Obesity Action Coalition
4511 North Himes Ave., Suite 250 | Tampa, Florida 33614
(800) 717-3117 | [email protected] |
| Follow Us on Social Media! | The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to elevating and supporting individuals affected by obesity through education, advocacy and support. We work to raise awareness of and eliminate weight bias and discrimination in healthcare, education, media and the workplace; fight to improve access to science-based treatment and care of obesity for those who choose to seek it; and provide support through education and community events. LEARN MORE |
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