Physicians Rush to Get Certified in Obesity Medicine

Becker's Hospital Review (09/21/23) Carbajal, Erica

The American Board of Obesity Medicine estimates that a record 1,889 U.S. physicians have applied to obtain obesity medicine certification in October, up from 1,001 candidates in 2020. Physicians' growing interest in becoming certified is concurrent with surging patient demand for GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. Since the specialty certification became available in 2012, more than 6,700 physicians have been certified in obesity medicine. For the next group of physicians to apply for certification, 38% are internal medicine physicians and 30% practice family medicine. Qualified candidates must have at least 60 continuing medical education credits on obesity. "We hear from our [diplomates] that they seek certification to demonstrate their knowledge and skill in treating obesity — an area that many have learned little about during their prior medical training," said American Board of Obesity Medicine Chair Judith Korner, MD, PhD. "With recognition of obesity as a complex chronic disease and continuing advancements in effective treatment options, we believe the desire to provide the best possible care for patients with obesity will continue to attract physicians to this rapidly growing field."

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