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Why Won’t My Insurance Company Cover My Disease? Treatment For Obesity Is Controversial

Treating this condition is challenging, with costs imposed by big pharma and insurers refusing coverage.

Libby Winkler
4 min readMar 24, 2024
Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash

In today’s society, obesity is not merely a matter of physical appearance; it’s a complex disease that affects millions worldwide.

Despite medical professionals' classification of it as a disease, obtaining coverage for its treatment remains an uphill battle for many individuals. Why does this disparity exist, and what lies behind the stigma and bias against obesity?

Understanding obesity as a disease requires a nuanced perspective.

Contrary to common misconceptions, obesity is not solely a result of poor lifestyle choices or a lack of willpower. Rather, many genetic, environmental, and psychological factors contribute to its development and persistence. From hormonal imbalances to socioeconomic disparities, the root causes of obesity are multifaceted and often beyond an individual’s control.

Despite its complexity and the significant toll it takes on one’s health, obesity continues to be stigmatized in society. The pervasive notion that it’s merely a consequence of laziness or…

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Libby Winkler
Libby Winkler

Written by Libby Winkler

Freelance writer who loves exploring the messiness of humanity, while poking around in nooks of life and shining light on all the things that make us complex..

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