Opinion: As Obesity Crushes Our Communities, California Can’t Afford to Cut Care

June 10, 2025

California is facing a severe obesity crisis disproportionately affecting Black and Brown communities, with nearly one-third of adults statewide living with obesity and 36. 8% of Black adults affected. Proposed Medi-Cal budget cuts threaten to eliminate coverage for effective GLP-1 medications that not only manage obesity but reduce related health conditions and costs.

Who is affected

Black and Brown communities in California
Low-income and vulnerable Californians who rely on Medi-Cal
Over one million Black Californians enrolled in Medi-Cal (50% of the state's total Black population)
Nearly one-third of California adults living with obesity
36.8% of Black adults in California living with obesity

What action is being taken

The state is proposing budget cuts to Medicaid/Medi-Cal
The proposed budget will specifically cut GLP-1 coverage under Medi-Cal
California is considering eliminating access to effective obesity treatments for low-income residents

Why it matters

Obesity is linked to chronic diseases including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke
Black and Brown communities experience worse outcomes and higher disease-related deaths
California has the highest total obesity-related medical costs in the United States
Annual medical expenditures for adults with obesity are nearly three times greater than for adults with normal weight
GLP-1 medications reduce healthcare spending and could improve productivity
The obesity rate in California is projected to increase to 41% by 2030
Budget cuts risk reinforcing health inequities California has pledged to dismantle
Short-term savings may lead to greater long-term medical, economic, and human costs

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint