GLI Supports the Bipartisan Reintroduction of the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act
(Washington, D.C., July 8, 2025) – Global Liver Institute (GLI) applauds the reintroduction of the bipartisan Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA) in the U.S. House of Representatives last Friday after reintroduction in the Senate earlier this month. Sponsored by Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Dr. Raul Ruiz (D-CA), and Gwen Moore (D-WI) and Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), this legislation would expand Medicare coverage for obesity care, recognizing that obesity is a chronic and treatable disease. Peer-reviewed research has shown a strong connection between obesity and serious liver diseases, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), formerly known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Access to anti-obesity medications is a top priority for GLI and patients as a means to both treat and prevent liver diseases.
Over the last decade, TROA has consistently generated bipartisan support, reflecting a growing consensus among policymakers on the importance of addressing obesity as a chronic disease. With projections indicating that 1 in 4 individuals will be obese by 2035, it is critical that the nation adopts evidence-based, unbiased approaches to obesity that will also address MASH and related liver diseases to improve health outcomes for Americans.
The legislation modernizes policy by clarifying a longstanding statute and requires Medicare Part D to cover evidence-based obesity medications. Additionally, it improves access to intensive behavioral therapy (IBT) under Medicare Part B by expanding eligibility to a wider range of healthcare professionals. By broadening access to lifestyle-based interventions like IBT, TROA ensures that patients with obesity can receive comprehensive, multidisciplinary care.
GLI continues to prioritize support and advocacy for patients with liver diseases, both in treatment and prevention.
About Global Liver Institute
Global Liver Institute (GLI) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in the belief that liver health must take its place on the global public health agenda commensurate with the prevalence and impact of liver illness. GLI promotes innovation, encourages collaboration, and supports the scaling of optimal approaches to help eradicate liver diseases. Operating globally, GLI is committed to solving the problems that matter to liver patients and equipping advocates to improve the lives of individuals and families impacted by liver disease. GLI holds Platinum Transparency with Candid/GuideStar, is a member of the National Health Council, and serves as a Healthy People 2030 Champion. Follow GLI on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube or visit www.globalliver.org.