Letters from the Director Archive

JulyLFD

The Online GLP-1 Marketplace

A recent research letter published in JAMA by Chetty et al describes the experience of a secret shopper in obtaining GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) from online sources.

June LFD

Understanding PMOS

PCOS was recently renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) to address the inadequate treatment that has resulted from its perception as a condition limited to fertility.

May LFD

Lessons from the STOP Obesity Alliance: A Reflection on Obesity Advocacy

This month's author is, Aden Belay, MPH, the STOP Obesity Alliance student research assistant who recently graduated from the Milken Institute School of Public Health.

Apr 2026 Letter from the Director

A Pathway to Coverage of GLP-1s in Medicare and Medicaid

Last fall, the Trump administration announced an historic expansion of obesity treatment coverage for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.

March 2026 Letter From Director

Weight Regain After Obesity Treatment

As options for the treatment of obesity have rapidly expanded, a major concern has been weight regain among treated patients with obesity.

February 2026 Letter from Director

Obesity Care Week 2026

Obesity Care Week (OCW) brings together advocates and organizations nationwide to raise awareness, educate, and advocate for people affected by obesity.

January 2026 Letter from the Director

The New Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030

Earlier this month, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) released the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs).

Jan 2026 Letter from the Director

Guest Letter: A Path Forward: What’s Possible for Obesity Care in 2026

Last month, the administration delivered another critical victory: a landmark Medicare and Medicaid price negotiation deal for the GLP-1 medications Wegovy and Zepbound.

Nov 2025 Letter from the Director

Obesity in the Workforce

Inclusive and supportive workplaces for people with obesity remain the exception rather than the norm.

OctoberLFD2025

The Changing Global Obesity Landscape

The global burden of obesity continues to rise.  Without effective and collective action, overweight and obesity will continue to increase globally.