OMA Member Story: Leslie Golden

Dr. Leslie Golden’s journey into obesity medicine was shaped by both personal experience and a deep-rooted passion for improving patient care. Growing up as a military child and moving frequently, she eventually settled in Wisconsin, where she has built her career over the past decade. Her interest in healthcare started early and eventually led her to pursue a master's degree in health promotion and disease prevention. “I’ve always been drawn to connecting with people and helping improve their quality of life, which led me to a career in Family Medicine,” she shares.

It was in caring for patients across all stages of life that Dr. Golden quickly recognized a gap—obesity was often overlooked or misunderstood, despite its impact on nearly every aspect of her patients’ well-being.

Dr. Golden’s decision to specialize in obesity medicine was driven by firsthand experience with the condition. She understood the frustration of patients who felt dismissed or unsupported in their struggles and wanted to change the way obesity was approached in healthcare. However, venturing into this field was not without its challenges. “Obesity medicine is still a relatively young specialty,” she explains. Dr. Golden faced hurdles with payor recognition, insurance coverage barriers, and even skepticism from colleagues, family, and friends who doubted the credibility and value of the field. But rather than discouraging her, these challenges only reinforced her commitment to ensuring that obesity was treated with the same scientific rigor and compassion as any other chronic disease.

As Dr. Golden deepened her expertise in obesity medicine, her perspective on patient care transformed. “Obesity is one of the most complex and misunderstood conditions,” she notes, “sustainable change happens through empowerment, not restriction, and that success is measured in so many ways beyond just the numbers.” For her, the most rewarding part of this work is witnessing patients regain their energy, confidence, and quality of life. “The moment a patient realizes they don’t have to fight this battle alone, when they finally feel heard, understood, and supported, their whole outlook changes”.

Dr. Golden’s path to the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) began with a search for better ways to manage chronic conditions. She discovered OMA online and enrolled in the Fundamentals of Obesity Treatment course, a decision that reshaped her career. “OMA offered not just education but also a community of like-minded providers who were equally passionate about improving obesity care. I wanted to learn, contribute, and be part of shaping the future of the field,” she says.

As she became more involved, OMA played a pivotal role in her professional growth. From gaining clinical expertise to learning how to build a financially sustainable obesity medicine practice, the organization gave her the tools she needed. Beyond education, it also provided a platform for advocacy, an area where Dr. Golden has made a significant impact.

“Obesity is still widely misunderstood, and systemic barriers prevent many patients from accessing the care they need,” she explains. Recognizing the need for policy changes, Dr. Golden took on a leadership role as the Chair of OMA’s Advocacy Committee. In this position, she has worked on initiatives such as improving insurance coverage for obesity medications, advancing the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA), and fighting for state employee health plan coverage for evidence-based obesity care. She has met with policymakers, participated in national obesity advocacy forums, and engaged with state Medicaid program decision-makers—all with the goal of expanding access to treatment.

One of the biggest challenges she faces in advocacy is the persistent misconception that obesity is merely a lifestyle issue rather than a complex, chronic disease. “Policymakers, insurance companies, and even some healthcare professionals often fail to recognize the medical basis of obesity,” she says. This makes securing coverage and resources for effective treatment difficult, and shifting public perception remains an ongoing battle.

OMA has been instrumental in supporting these advocacy efforts for Dr. Golden. It has provided Dr. Golden with connections to other advocacy leaders, opportunities to participate in lobbying efforts, and access to key policy information. “The organization has also helped amplify our collective voice, showing that obesity medicine specialists are united in the fight for better care,” she says. The association also offers funding to help cover travel expenses for advocacy efforts, making it more accessible for members to engage in policy discussions at both the state and national levels.

Dr. Golden is passionate about encouraging other healthcare professionals to get involved in obesity medicine advocacy. “The first step is recognizing that you already have what you need to be an effective advocate,” she emphasizes. Many providers hesitate, believing they need expertise in legislation or lobbying. However, as she points out, “Clinicians practicing obesity medicine already have the most powerful tools—knowledge of the science, real patient stories, and firsthand experience of how access to treatment (or the lack of it) impacts lives.”

She encourages providers to take small but meaningful steps—joining organizations like OMA, engaging with lawmakers, sharing patient success stories, and educating colleagues about evidence-based obesity treatment. “Every voice adds to the momentum for meaningful change,” she says. “Even small efforts can help shape policies that improve access to care.”

Dr. Leslie Golden’s journey in obesity medicine and advocacy is a testament to the power of persistence, education, and a commitment to systemic change. Through her efforts, she is not only transforming individual patient lives but also shaping the broader landscape of obesity care—one policy at a time.

Hear from Dr. Golden: