ABBM grants certification for medical community who treats obesity and related conditions

Dec 23 2009

The American Board of Bariatric Medicine (ABBM) recently administered its certification exam designed to recognize doctors, nurse practitioners and physicians assistants who practice bariatric medicine and the non-surgical medical management of overweight and obese patients. Seventy-two individuals passed the exam and are awaiting final approval for board certification.

“As a result, the medical community has become better at treating related conditions and co-morbidities, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, but still hasn’t reached a consensus on how to treat obesity itself”

The ABBM is an independent medical specialty board responsible for certifying physicians and granting certificates of advanced training to nurse practitioners and physicians assistants in the practice of bariatric medicine. The ABBM administers the first and only exam that distinguishes physicians, nurse practitioners and physicians assistants, recognizing them as having a knowledge base and specialized skills and ensuring an elevated standard of care in the management and treatment of obesity and related conditions.

The ABBM was originally organized as a committee of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians (ASBP) in 1970 and has been administering the certifying exam ever since. Close to 830 individuals have taken the exam. Nearly 400 doctors have passed the exam and completed the certification process. Those 400 doctors are certified Diplomates of the ABBM and are best prepared to address America’s growing obesity epidemic.

There are more than 200 million people across the U.S. who are overweight or obese – that’s 64 percent of Americans, costing our healthcare system an estimated $117 billion annually. In 1985 the National Institutes of Health (NIH) designated obesity as specific disease category that requires treatment by trained physicians. Even with identification from the NIH, obesity is widely considered a behavioral issue that an individual should be able to manage.

“As a result, the medical community has become better at treating related conditions and co-morbidities, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, but still hasn’t reached a consensus on how to treat obesity itself,” said Dana Brittan, executive director of the ABBM. “That’s where the ASBP and the ABBM come in. As sister organizations, we worked together to establish the Bariatric Practice Guidelines that focus on four main areas for successful weight-loss: 1. diet, 2. exercise, 3. behavior modification, and 4. medication if appropriate. It’s a step in the right direction for our doctors and their patients.”

A rigorous certification process ensures doctors and other medical professionals are equipped to effectively treat overweight and obese patients and provide a standardized level of care. In the end, the ABBM and ASBP are building a medical community that is knowledgeable and prepared to deal with the obesity epidemic.

The 2010 ABBM exam will be held in September. Application deadlines are June 15 and July 31. For doctors, nurse practitioners and physicians assistants interested in becoming certified in bariatric medicine, visit www.abbmcertification.org to learn more.

Source: American Board of Bariatric Medicine