The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) and a coalition of civil rights groups praised the Biden administration for ensuring that Medicare Part D and Medicaid programs will cover anti-obesity medications, a move the council said will improve health care for the African American community.
This adjustment to the rules brings them in line with modern science around obesity care.
“Healthcare is a core pillar of the work of NCNW, and this update reflects our longstanding advocacy efforts. We know that reducing health disparities is essential among women of African descent and their communities,” said NCNW President and CEO Shavon Arline-Bradley. “Racial and ethnic minorities experience higher rates of chronic diseases, including obesity. African American women have the highest rates of obesity among any demographic group – approximately 4 out of 5 African American women are classified as overweight or have obesity, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. As a public health practitioner and former senior advisor to the U.S. Surgeon General, I am certain that this update expanding access to AOMs will improve health equity nationwide.”
For many years, these medications were considered for cosmetic uses as weight loss and weight management. Now studies have confirmed obesity is a health problem that can be the catalyst of some illnesses, resulting in anti-obesity medications now being used to treat medically accepted conditions as Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Obesity has had a disproportionate impact on minority communities, specifically the African American community. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity — a result of a combination of genetics, biological factors and social determinants — increase chances of sickness that affect health for the Black population.
NCNW is made up of over 330 campus and community-based sections and 38 national women’s organizations that enlightens, inspires, and connects more than 2,000,000 women and men. It was founded by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune in 1935, and the iconic Dr. Dorothy Height served as president for over 50 years.
Its mission is to lead, advocate for, and empower women of African descent, their families, and communities.