NUMBER OF ABOM DIPLOMATES

The American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) today announced that 2,000 physicians passed its board certification exam administered in October 2025, bringing the number of physicians certified in obesity medicine to more than 11,500 in the United States and Canada. The 2,000 new diplomates represent the largest number of diplomates certified in a single obesity medicine exam administration.

ABOM diplomates come from a wide spectrum of medical disciplines and specialties with primary care physicians comprising the largest number of diplomates. The 2,000 new diplomates who passed the most recent ABOM certification exam include internal medicine physicians (39%), family physicians (30%), pediatricians/pediatric subspecialists (7%), surgeons (5%), obstetricians/gynecologists (3%), psychiatrists (3%), and endocrinologists (3%), along with numerous other specialists.

Notably, nearly 70 percent of this year’s new diplomates state they have been practicing obesity medicine for less than two years. This is in line with recent published data that indicates a trend toward physicians pursuing obesity medicine board certification earlier in the course of their obesity medicine practice [1], which could signify expanding recognition of the value of obesity medicine board certification.

“This trend suggests a welcome shift in the mindset of many physicians who now view evidence-based treatment of obesity as a necessary component of providing quality care for their patients,” said Dr. Judith Korner, MD, PhD, Chair of the ABOM Board of Directors. “With the expansion of tools available to treat obesity, ABOM certification is an important distinguishing factor that signals a doctor has demonstrated an understanding of this complex disease that goes far beyond a single medication or treatment modality.”

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.

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 3-17, 2026.

[1] Johnson-Rabbett, B., Reid, T. J., Wickham, E. P., 3rd, Korner, J., Brittan, D. R., & Gudzune, K. A. (2025). An Update on the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM): 2017-2024. Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.), 33(11), 2055–2060. https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.70013

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 www.abom.org.

# # #