Advocacy
There is a lot of advocacy work to be done. Caring for patients with obesity is limited due to stigma and access which are closely linked to one another. Below are some specific areas that are targets for advocacy.
Stigma
Access
Reducing Stigma in Healthcare
Healthcare providers are a major source of obesity stigma and bias, second only to family members. Patients that experience stigma in healthcare settings are less likely to seek care including care for life saving treatment and health screenings. Dr. Hudson works with patients and other providers in healthcare to dispel myths about obesity and offer education to help reduce stigma in the healthcare setting.
Public Perception and Body Positivity
Stigma against patients with obesity has been a long standing issue. But now with the new anti-obesity medications better known as GLP1s, there is now "weight loss shaming" for those who are successful with these new treatments. Dr. Hudson is strong supporter of treating obesity as a disease that requires treatment. This is just as important as treating diabetes. Weight loss in patients suffering from the disease of obesity is not vanity and for many, it is life saving.
Coverage for Treatment
Currently, there is limited coverage for obesity treatment. There is no reimbursement for providers making it less appealing for them to offer obesity care. There is limited coverage for bariatric surgery and even less coverage for anti-obesity medications. The new GLP1 medications are very expensive out of pocket. Dr. Hudson spends a lot of her time meeting with and educating decision makers and legislators about the importance of coverage for safe, effective, evidence-based treatments for obesity.
Dr. Hudson is a founding board member of the Louisiana Obesity Society. She is the president elect and the chair of the advocacy committee. Her focus is on advocacy for the coverage of anti-obesity medications as well as bariatric surgery and endoscopy for patients with Medicaid, private insurance, and state employees.