Colorado is facing a public health crisis — 60% of our population struggles with obesity or is overweight. This epidemic not only drives up health care costs but also contributes to thousands of premature deaths annually, while simultaneously reducing workforce participation and earnings.

During the past decade, medical advancements like GLP-1 medications have transformed the approach to obesity treatment, assisting patients in managing their weight by mimicking hormones that regulate appetite and blood sugar levels. These FDA-approved drugs not only address obesity but also significantly lower the risks of severe conditions such as type-2 diabetes, sleep apnea, liver disease and heart disease.

I can personally attest to the effectiveness of these drug therapies. As a citizen of the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians — a federally recognized tribe in northern California — I have lived in Colorado for the past five years. Throughout much of my life, I have struggled with obesity. It is a challenge that extends to most of my family, many of whom also grapple with diabetes in addition to having obesity.

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Despite my best efforts to manage my obesity, a little more than a year ago my A1C levels were dangerously close to a type-2 diabetes diagnosis. I had also been diagnosed with sleep apnea, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), high cholesterol and asthma. My health was far from optimal, so after extensive discussions with my doctor, in March 2024 we decided to try a GLP-1 medication.

These medications are frequently viewed solely as cosmetic tools for weight loss. Though I recognize they do promote weight reduction, for me, taking the medication has fundamentally been about my overall health. Since taking it, my A1C has normalized, and I am no longer at risk for diabetes. My sleep apnea has shifted from severe to mild, eliminating the need for a CPAP machine. My liver numbers have improved, my cholesterol levels have decreased, and I am no longer asthmatic. Yes, I have lost 105 pounds in the process, which is undoubtedly a positive outcome, but enhancing my overall health and prolonging my life takes precedence over my appearance.

However, securing coverage for the medication proved exceptionally challenging. After months of fighting and navigating insurance appeals, I was granted an exception. I have been able to take the medication for a few months now, but this exception will only extend for so long. I face the possibility of losing coverage for the medication this April, which will effectively stall the progress I have made so far.

As distressing as this process has been, I am still considered one of the fortunate ones. Many of my family members who share similar health conditions rely on Medicaid and cannot access these life-saving medications because the program does not cover them. These medications remain out of reach for many, particularly in low-income and minority communities disproportionately affected by obesity.

The disparities are alarming. According to the Office of Minority Health, Native Americans experience some of the highest rates of obesity and diabetes among all racial groups. Nearly 70% of Native Americans are classified as having obesity or are overweight, compared to 31% of non-Hispanic whites.