Is Obesity Medicine or Bariatric Medicine a specialty recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS)?

Not Yet. However, it appears likely to me that the Obesity Society (formerly NAASO – North American Association for the Study of Obesity) and the Bariatric Society (ABBM – American Board of Bariatric Medicine) will have a coming to terms and back a joint venture to get this type of medicine established as a medical specialty. Although ABBM has a board certification in place and the Obesity Society will likely have one in place within 1 year, neither has received recognition by the ABMS. It is my hope that soon a weight loss doctor will be able to be recognized as an obesity specialist by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).

I have taken the position of remaining active in both organizations by regularly attending courses either through the Obesity Society, the Harvard Obesity Course, or the ASBP Courses, and will continue to do so until it becomes clear the best way to proceed.

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