FINRA Foundation / ACCI Undergraduate Student Poster Competition 1st Place Winner
Obesity is a chronic disease and a major risk factor for conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. It also creates a significant economic burden due to higher medical costs, long-term treatment, and reduced productivity. Despite efforts, obesity persists. New weight-loss drugs have shifted the landscape, with an average 15% weight reduction when used consistently. However, high costs, insurance gaps, and public perception challenges limit access and sustained use. This study uses a Social Determinants of Health framework to explore how factors like income, race, and gender influence medication uptake across different groups—current users, potential users, and those unlikely to consider such treatments. By examining social and economic contexts, the study assesses how interventions impact healthcare resources and disparities, aiming to guide policies on equitable access and future strategies.
Author(s): Dymond Mitchell, Numa Maryam, Yunhee Chang
