Accessibility Compliance

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Degree Type

Open Access Capstone

Publication Date

Spring 5-10-2026

Abstract

Obesity is a leading contributor to chronic disease and health inequities in Suffolk County, Massachusetts and disproportionately affects underserved communities including Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan. Although obesity is commonly defined by a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m², obesity is a heterogeneous condition, and BMI alone does not fully capture metabolic health or cardiometabolic risk. Despite the complexity of obesity as a chronic disease, obesity remains significantly underdiagnosed and undertreated in primary care settings. This capstone project examines the prevalence of obesity within Suffolk County, evaluates evidence-based obesity management strategies, and analyzes current healthcare system and policy barriers impacting the equitable access to treatment. Current evidence supports the use of anti-obesity medications (AOMs), including glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which continue to create meaningful and sustained weight reduction along with improved cardiometabolic health outcomes. However, access to these therapies remains limited due to insurance restrictions, step-therapy requirements, and MassHealth policies. Addressing this gap requires alignment of clinical evidence, policy reform, and community engagement. This paper proposes a Massachusetts Primary Care Obesity Treatment Initiative focused on standardized obesity screening, provider education, longitudinal obesity management, and expanded equitable access to evidence-based obesity treatment within underserved communities.

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Community Engaged/Serving

Part of the UMass Boston Community-Engaged Teaching, Research, and Service Series. //scholarworks.umb.edu/engage

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