FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 12, 2025
Governor Jared Polis Signs Landmark Obesity and Diabetes Prevention Bill into Law
DENVER, CO – Last week, Governor Jared Polis signed Senate Bill 25-048, the Diabetes Prevention & Obesity Treatment Act, into law—marking a significant milestone in Colorado’s commitment to public health and advancing access to evidence-based obesity care and diabetes prevention.
The legislation, championed by Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet, Representative Kyle Brown, and Representative Javier Mabrey, requires large group health insurance plans to cover a comprehensive range of obesity and prediabetes treatments. This includes coverage for the National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP), medical nutrition therapy, intensive behavioral and lifestyle counseling, and expanded eligibility for bariatric surgery aligned with national clinical guidelines.
The new law also allows employers to opt into coverage for FDA-approved weight management medications, including at least one GLP-1 receptor agonist (RA), offering new options for Coloradans living with obesity.
The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) applauds Governor Polis, the legislative sponsors, and the Colorado General Assembly for their leadership and vision. OAC also extends its sincere gratitude to the advocates, healthcare providers, and community members who played a vital role in advancing this legislation.
“This legislation is a significant advancement for people living with obesity in Colorado,” said Teddy McCullough, patient advocate. “It shows that patients’ voices are being heard and that obesity is finally being recognized as the complex, chronic disease that it is.”
Obesity affects more than 24% of adults in Colorado, representing over one million individuals. Obesity is a significant risk factor for numerous chronic conditions, including type 2 diabetes, which can be attributed to obesity in up to 53% of new cases. These conditions also increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, liver and kidney disease, several cancers, and early mortality.
“We know that obesity is not a matter of willpower—it’s a chronic disease that requires a range of treatment options,” said Joe Nadglowski, President and CEO of the Obesity Action Coalition. “This legislation ensures more people have more options and can take meaningful steps toward improved health. Access to comprehensive, science-based care is essential for improving health outcomes, and this law helps address critical gaps in private insurance coverage.”
Colorado has long led the way in improving access to affordable, high-quality health care. With the passage of SB25-048, the state takes another bold step toward addressing the obesity epidemic and advancing health equity.
The Obesity Action Coalition proudly stands with the people of Colorado in celebrating this critical progress and applauds the leadership that made it possible.
About the Obesity Action Coalition:
The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by obesity through education, advocacy and support. To learn more about our work, visit ObesityAction.org.
