Today, the American Diabetes Association® (ADA) expressed support for Senate Bill 1070 (SB 1070) and House Bill 977 (HB 977), legislation aimed at modernizing Florida’s approach to obesity management by instituting a comprehensive, evidence-based program to replace a pilot currently offered by the Division of State Group Insurance for state employees and their families.
SB 1070, sponsored by Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez (R-Doral), and HB 977, sponsored by Representative David Borrero (R- Hialeah), would replace the current pilot with a uniform obesity management program that integrates intensive lifestyle and behavioral therapy with FDA-approved weight management medications when clinically appropriate. This combined evidence-based approach reflects clinical standards and is designed to help participants achieve and maintain meaningful weight loss over time, most importantly promoting long-term health rather than cycling in and out of short-term interventions.
“Obesity is a chronic disease that requires sustained, clinically appropriate treatment, paired with intensive lifestyle and behavioral therapy, to ensure sustained weight management in an effort to mitigate chronic disease, including diabetes,” said Douglas Dunsavage, the ADA’s state director of government affairs. “We thank Senator Rodriguez and Representative Borrero for filling these good bills that align Florida’s approach to obesity management with clinical best practices, while creating a more accountable framework for improving long-term health outcomes.”
Independent analysts project that a comprehensive program could support significant improvement in obesity outcomes, including reduction in the risk of progression of prediabetes to type 2 diabetes. The model is also expected to deliver clinically meaningful reductions in diabetes risk, including improvements in A1C levels and slower progression to type 2 diabetes, while improving cardiovascular risk factors such as cholesterol and blood pressure.
Beyond health improvements, the program is projected to generate economic benefits for the state, including an estimated $7.8 million in direct medical cost savings and $12.8 million in indirect savings driven by improved workforce participation and productivity.
“By transitioning from a limited pilot to a comprehensive, evidence-based obesity management program, SB 1070 and HB 977 position Florida to improve health outcomes, reduce the risk of weight regain, and generate data on sustained weight maintenance, metabolic health, and chronic disease risk, all while strengthening the state workforce,” said Dunsavage. “We look forward to supporting it throughout the 2026 legislative session.”
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About the American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization fighting to end diabetes and helping people thrive. This year, the ADA celebrates 85 years of driving discovery and research to prevent, manage, treat, and ultimately cure diabetes—and we’re not stopping. There are 136 million Americans living with diabetes or prediabetes. Through advocacy, program development, and education, we’re fighting for them all. To learn more or to get involved, visit us at or call 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383). Join us in the fight on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Spanish Facebook (Asociación Americana de la Diabetes), LinkedIn (American Diabetes Association), and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn). To learn more about how we are advocating for everyone affected by diabetes, visit us on X (@AmDiabetesAssn).
