More Than 1,800 Achieve First-Time Obesity Medicine Certification

The American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) recently announced that 1,801 physicians passed its board certification test administered in October 2024, bringing the number of physicians who are certified in obesity medicine to 9,800 in the United States and Canada. The 1,801 new diplomates represent the largest number of diplomates certified in

DENVER, Jan. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- More Than 1,800 Achieve First-Time Obesity Medicine Certification

The American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) recently announced that 1,801 physicians passed its board certification test administered in October 2024, bringing the number of physicians who are certified in obesity medicine to 9,800 in the United States and Canada.

The 1,801 new diplomates represent the largest number of diplomates certified in a single obesity medicine exam administration.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity affects over 40 percent of U.S. adults and increases the risks for heart disease, cancer, diabetes, stroke, and musculoskeletal problems. Obesity has been officially recognized as a disease by the American Medical Association since 2013, and many doctors want to help patients lose weight and improve health. However, physicians often graduate from medical school and residency programs with little or no training in weight management and nutrition – they are unfamiliar with treatment guidelines and have low confidence in their ability to treat obesity.

"With the advent of new treatment options, physicians are able to help patients with obesity in a way that has not been possible in the past. At the same time, many are realizing treating this disease is much more than just writing a prescription. Physicians who complete the certification process demonstrate they have the depth of knowledge required to implement a comprehensive evidence-based approach to treating patients with obesity," said Dr. Judith Korner, MD, PhD, Chair of the ABOM Board of Directors.

Dr. Korner also noted that the growth of the ABOM diplomate population is good news for patients.

"Knowledgeable, compassionate care for obesity is rapidly becoming more accessible in many communities," said Dr. Korner. "There are now obesity medicine physicians in every state throughout the U.S. While the need for more specially trained obesity medicine physicians is still great, it is encouraging to see the continued growth of the field."
In the last five years, the total number of ABOM diplomates has more than doubled, growing from 4,148 in 2020 to 9,800 in January 2025.

2020    4,148
2021    5,200
2022    5,880
2023    6,720
2024    8,089
2025    9,800

ABOM diplomates come from a wide spectrum of medical disciplines and specialties with primary care physicians comprising the largest number of diplomates. The 1,801 new diplomates who passed the most recent ABOM certification exam include internal medicine physicians (635), family physicians (574), pediatricians/pediatric subspecialists (117), surgeons (77), endocrinologists (70), obstetricians/gynecologists (60), psychiatrists (35), and gastroenterologists (31), along with numerous other specialists.

Certification as an ABOM diplomate signifies specialized knowledge in the practice of obesity medicine and distinguishes a physician as having achieved competency in obesity care, with ABOM diplomates incorporating obesity medicine into their everyday practices or devoting themselves full time to the treatment of obesity.

The next obesity medicine certification exam will be administered October 4-18, 2025.

About the American Board of Obesity Medicine
The American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) serves the public and the field of obesity medicine by maintaining standards for assessment and credentialing physicians. Physicians who complete the ABOM certification process are designated Diplomates of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. To find an ABOM-certified obesity medicine physician, search our directory of Diplomates. For more information about how ABOM certification can benefit you or your practice, visit http://www.abom.org or connect with us on LinkedIn, X/Twitter, or Facebook.

Media Contact

Chris Martin, ABOM, 6306702745, [email protected], www.abom.org

SOURCE ABOM