An OTP Blog: Your Weight Matters Conference

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What a week…

This past week, I headed to D.C. because your weight matters. My weight matters. And advocating for access to the treatment and care people living obesity deserves, matters.

I arrived in the District on Wednesday afternoon and was immediately greeted by some familiar faces from the Obesity Action Coalition, and some of my favorite OTP alumni.

It is an extremely powerful thing when people from a diverse set of backgrounds come from their respective corners of the country to fight for the same mission. Accessibility to care. From jump street, you could feel the electricity in the room. The kind of energy that makes the hairs on your arm stand straight up. I immediately knew, this was going to be a good couple of days.

I want to start by thanking all of you subscribers here on substack. Without all of you, none of this was possible. It was your contributions that afforded me the abililty to take time of work, put together a meaningful community event, and even help some other key community advocates get to D.C. You did that. Each time I was thanked, I was quick to deflect to your generosity in supporting what we are building at On The Pen. If you haven’t jumped in as a paid subscriber, while we hate to ask for anything, we simply cannot do it without you. If you feel so inclined, join our mission here:

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Day 2 (Thursday) was a 15,000 steps, 100 degree heat, everyone’s got travel hangover but we’re getting to work anyway, kind of day. Our little group represented the States of Iowa (holla!), Wisconsin, and Missouri. We visited 6 different representative’s offices where we shared our stories, spread the obesity medicine gospel, and pleaded for their support of the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act.

I am happy to report that there was apparent support for the legislation in every office that we had the chance to speak with. While the degree of support varied, I was once again struck by the breadth of knowledge and understanding of the topic, and the urgency to get something done to address it.

The OAC has been working to get TROA passed for over 16 years. Last year was the first time ever it actually advanced out of committee, and I am convinced that our advocacy efforts coupled with the increase in undeniable real-world experiences these lawmakers encounter with obesity medicine, medicare coverage is finally within reach.

Day 3 was an interesting one. My day started with a sudden resurgence of the dizziness I had experienced back in May when I had my health scare. I was comfroted to know that my heart is in good health and that whatever the dizziness was was likely transient. Some electrolytes and protein seemed to eventually right the ship, and I was able to attend some morning sessions and ultimately host an extremely wonderful community TopGolf event where we provided food and fun for a group of about 25 community members. Some of the guests included OTP podcast alumni ranging from our friends Jamie Selzler and Mike Donnelly-Boylan, to Chris and Laraine from The Downsized, and Kat and Kim from ThePlusSideZ! I was able to connect with all of our guests and thank each of them for what they are doing in their corner of the world to ensure access for all. What a fun (but incredibly hot) day!

It’s day 4, and I even though the conference has one more day, I am heading home to the people who love me the most! I am headed home with a full and grateful heart, and a clear and focused determination.

Once again I thank you for making this possible. It’s you, the members that make the OTP world go ‘round.

Love ya,

DK