American Society of Bariatric Physicians Will Change Its Name to Obesity Medicine Association

Name Change Will Better Align Organization with Medical Obesity Treatment and Prevention Trends

The American Society of Bariatric Physicians (ASBP) announced today that it will change its name to Obesity Medicine Association (OMA). The name change will allow the organization to better align with the widespread recognition of obesity as a chronic disease among health care professionals and will put the organization in a position to lead the health care industry as the need for clinical obesity treatment grows.

“ASBP has a rich history as the leading voice in obesity education, awareness, and treatment, and the decision to change the name to OMA derives from the need to better communicate what we represent and our approach to treatment,” said Eric C. Westman, MD, MHS, president of ASBP. “As an organization, we aim to not only be a valuable resource to members and the patients we serve, but to be recognized and fully understood by the medical community, patients, medical students, and consumers.”

The name change to Obesity Medicine Association will align the organization with the recognition of obesity as a chronic disease by the American Medical Association (AMA) in 2013 and will clarify industry misconceptions. The term “bariatric” has become associated with surgery; however, OMA will not represent bariatric surgeons. The term “obesity” is more commonly used by patients and clinicians alike, and having this term in the name will better communicate that OMA represents physicians and health care providers who specialize in the clinical treatment of obesity.

The new name will also be more inclusive of OMA’s vast membership, made up of physicians and allied health care providers who play an integral role in the treatment of those affected by obesity. OMA will welcome physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and others involved in obesity treatment. Additionally, OMA will communicate a more global presence, as rates of obesity continue to increase worldwide.

“As we grow and move forward, it is important that our name not only support our rich history but also pave the way for our promising future,” said Deborah Bade Horn, DO, MPH, FASBP, president-elect of ASBP. “For 65 years we have been a sound voice within the medical and obesity treatment community, and we will continue to build on that reputation as the Obesity Medicine Association.”