1. What is the decision or change (e.g., clinical topic, practice guideline, system design, delivery of care) you are facing or struggling with where a summary of the evidence would be helpful?
The Alliance for Patient Access is a non-profit organization focused on advocacy for policies that support better patient access to FDA-approved therapies. Knowing that 42.4% of Americans are living with obesity, we are interested in up-to-date data about obesity-related employment absenteeism. In 2008, the CDC estimates that the annual cost of obesity was $147 billion. We understand that obesity is a growing concern in the United States, and we would like to better understand the effect it has on the nation’s economy, especially because the most updated figure from the CDC on obesity costs is from 2008.
2. Why are you struggling with this issue?
Data is conflicting and out of date on this issue. We believe that it is important to understand whether the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated this issue. Further, patients with obesity often struggle to access anti-obesity medication.
3. What do you want to see changed? How will you know that your issue is improving or has been addressed?
We want to see a better public understanding of obesity as a disease. This data will help to educate on the effects of obesity on society. This is especially important given that obesity causes a significant societal burden. We need data that helps to support education initiatives to better explain the need for obesity taken seriously as a disease.
4. When do you need the evidence report?
Friday, 11/01/2024
5. What will you do with the evidence report?
We will use the data to educate policymakers about the burden of obesity, the value of appropriate care, and the need for educational initiatives on obesity prevention.
Optional Information About You
What is your role or perspective? Non-Profit
If you are you making a suggestion on behalf of an organization, please state the name of the organization. Alliance for Patient Access
May we contact you if we have questions about your nomination? Yes
