Access to comprehensive, evidence-based obesity treatment varies significantly across the United States. Despite advances in obesity care, patients continue to face barriers related to insurance coverage, treatment authorization, affordability, provider availability, and geographic location.
The Obesity Treatment Access Scorecard (OTAS), developed jointly by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC), provides a comprehensive, state-by-state assessment of access to obesity treatment across all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Using 44 measures across six key areas, the report evaluates the factors influencing access to obesity care, including medical nutrition therapy, behavioral interventions, obesity medications, and metabolic and bariatric surgery.
Key Findings
- The national average score is 48.5 out of 100 (C−), highlighting substantial opportunities to improve access.
- No state received an A grade, while 20 states received grades in the D or F range.
- Insurance coverage alone does not guarantee access to treatment. Authorization requirements, costs, provider availability, and geographic barriers remain significant challenges.
- State-level differences in coverage policies and healthcare resources can substantially affect patients’ ability to obtain and maintain appropriate treatment.
The report includes national rankings, individual state fact sheets, detailed technical scorecards, and recommendations to help healthcare professionals, policymakers, and patient advocates identify opportunities to improve access to care.
Download the Obesity Treatment Access Scorecard (PDF)