Navigating Obesity Management and Treatment: A Patient Resource Guide for Women

Guides & Toolkits

Published 8/5/26

Obesity is a complex chronic disease, affected by many different factors including a person’s sex, genetics, health conditions, and mental health as well as their environment and financial situation. Obesity is treatable.

There are many treatment options available for obesity, from lifestyle changes to medications and surgeries. When seeking care, it is essential to recognize that obesity is a complicated disease with multiple risk factors, contributors, and comorbidities, some of which are beyond individual control.

The Society for Women’s Health Research created the Navigating Obesity Management and Treatment: A Patient Resource Guide for Women to help women better understand their options for obesity management and treatment.

This resource guide covers how to seek care for obesity, medical support options, and how patients can apply their insurance coverage for obesity treatments.

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What’s in the Guide?

Background

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Seeking Care for Obesity

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Medical Support for Obesity

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Utilizing Coverage for Obesity Treatments

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Risk Factor Worksheet

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For more information, check out the Glossary and Additional Resources section.

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Acknowledgements

SWHR acknowledges the following Obesity Working Group members for their contribution to this resource:

  • Ariana Chao, PhD, CRNP, FNP-BC, RN, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing
  • Cristy Gallagher, MPAff, Milken Institute School of Public Health
  • Kanakadurga Singer, MD, MA, University of Michigan Medical School

SWHR acknowledges that there are valued groups of people that may benefit from our materials who do not identify as women. We encourage those who identify differently to engage with us and our content.   

This document is intended to serve as an educational and informative resource and is not intended or implied to serve as a substitute for medical or professional advice. The Society for Women’s Health Research does not make medical, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations, nor does it endorse or promote specific screening or diagnostic tests. Patients and consumers should confirm information and consult a professional health care provider to determine individual needs. The Society will not be liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages arising therefrom.

This material was created by the Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR) and is intended to serve as a public educational and informative resource. This material may be cited or shared on external channels, websites, and blogs, with attribution given to SWHR, or printed and displayed in its original formatted version. SWHR encourages the sharing and reposting of its content in order to spread awareness around women’s health issues. For specific questions about sharing SWHR content, please reach out to communications@swhr.org.

Sponsor

Support for this educational program has been provided by Novo Nordisk. SWHR maintains independence and editorial control over program development, content, and work products.