Celebrating 75 Years: A Journey Through the History of the Obesity Medicine Association

Early Beginnings (1940s – 1960s)

Believe it or not, the history of obesity medicine goes back as far as the late 1940s, with large advancements in the field being the first moments in its history. In 1947, the development of what we now call anti-obesity medications began with the approval of desoxyephedrine. This medication worked as AOMs do today as it aided in appetite suppression. The medication provided new hope for individuals with obesity during a period when there were little to no interventions available. However, these early AOMs presented many safety concerns and later regulations banned many of the early amphetamine derivatives.

Just a year later in 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) took a monumental step by officially recognizing obesity as a disease. This acknowledgment was groundbreaking for the field, as it shifted the perspective on obesity, taking it from being a mere lifestyle choice or a cosmetic concern to a serious medical condition that required property intervention and care.

Two years later, the foundations of the OMA were created. In 1950, the National Glandular Society was established, representing the origins of what is now the OMA. Founded during a time when obesity was misunderstood in society and overlooked within the medical community, the society’s mission was to foster scientific advancement in obesity treatment. The organization was created to provide a platform for clinicians and researchers dedicated to understanding and addressing obesity as a complex medical condition.

Transformation and Growth (1964-1980s)

Over the years, The National Glandular Society evolved in name and scope, as the field of obesity medicine was advancing. In 1964, the organization was renamed the American Society of Bariatrics (ASB) and then renamed again in 1972 to the American Society of Bariatric Physicians (ASBP).

From 1977 to 1983, the organization began holding the first Bariatric Surgery Colloquium Meetings. These gatherings provided a space for collaboration among bariatric surgeons. The meetings were pivotal in forming the future of bariatric surgery as a powerful tool in managing obesity.

The meetings continued and eventually evolved into conferences in 1984, when the organization held its first National Conference. This inaugural event brought together healthcare professionals dedicated to advancing the field of obesity treatment and fostering a collaborative community, as the annual conferences of the OMA do today.

Pioneering Standards and Recognition (1990s)

The 1990s were a crucial time in the field of obesity medicine as developments in the late 90s provided standards and formal recognition for the treatment of obesity. In 1998 the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) released the first clinical practice guidelines for obesity.

In the same year, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) built on the NHBLI’s work by releasing guidelines that highlighted obesity as a complex and chronic disease.

Both the NHLBI and NIH guidelines laid the foundation for obesity medicine by establishing standardized practices and fostering a deeper understanding of obesity as a chronic disease. These documents not only equipped clinicians with the tools to manage obesity effectively but also helped reduce stigma and validated the need for evidence-based approaches to care.

Advocacy and Innovation (2000s-2010s):

The 2000s and early 2010s brought more advancements to obesity care, including groundbreaking treatments, innovative resources and the establishment of key organizations within the field. These years also continued the narrative of how obesity should be understood and addressed within the medical field.

In 2005, the FDA approved the first GLP-1 receptor agonist, exenatide (marketed as Byetta) as a treatment for diabetes and weight management.

In 2011, two pivotal organizations were founded: the Obesity Treatment Foundation (OTF) and the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM). These organizations enhanced research, education, and professional development, further elevating obesity care. To support clinicians preparing for the ABOM Exam, the Obesity Medicine Association developed the Self-Assessment Program (SAP)—a comprehensive, 273-question self-exam designed to align with ABOM content and provide detailed explanations for each question. This program has become an essential resource for clinicians, reinforcing their expertise and advancing the standard of care in obesity medicine.

A landmark moment occurred in 2013 when the American Medical Association (AMA) officially recognized obesity as a chronic disease, fundamentally changing its treatment landscape. In the same year, the OMA introduced the Obesity Algorithm®, a comprehensive clinical tool designed to provide healthcare providers with evidence-based guidelines for obesity diagnosis and treatment. This innovative resource remains a cornerstone of OMA’s educational initiatives, helping clinicians deliver personalized and effective care to their patients.

In 2015, the ASBP adopted its current name: the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA), reflecting the organization’s broadened mission to address all aspects of obesity care.

Advancements and Advocacy (2016-Present):

Once the OMA had adopted the name that everyone recognizes today, the following years presented it with remarkable growth and innovation. From the late 2010s to today, the organization has expanded its education resources, strengthened its advocacy efforts, and refined its standards for comprehensive treatment.

In 2016, the OMA introduced two of its most popular initiatives, the Pediatric Obesity Algorithm® and its virtual education platforms. Both of these resources work to enhance education for OMA members and improve the quality of care for patients.

The launch of the Obesity Pillars Journal® in 2022 marked a new era for OMA. This open-access, online-only journal serves as a hub for high-quality, evidence-based research aligned with OMA’s four pillars of obesity treatment. The journal enhances the accessibility to science-backed information for clinicians, researchers, and policymakers.

In 2023, OMA prioritized advocacy efforts to improve language and promote ethical practices. The organization championed the replacement of stigmatizing terms like "morbid obesity" with "Class III Obesity" or "Severe Obesity" to reduce weight bias. OMA also released a position statement on the use of compounded peptides, emphasizing safety, transparency, and compliance with regulatory standards.

In 2024, OMA updated its Four Pillars of Obesity Treatment to reflect the latest advancements in the field. These pillars—nutrition therapy, behavioral modification, physical activity, and medical interventions—continue to guide comprehensive, patient-centered care.

These milestones highlight OMA’s unwavering commitment to advancing obesity care through innovation, advocacy, and education. By addressing the evolving needs of the field, OMA ensures that clinicians are equipped to deliver evidence-based and compassionate care to their patients.

As the OMA celebrates its 75th anniversary, it stands as a testament to decades of progress, dedication, and leadership in the medical field. From its early beginnings as the National Glandular Society to its position today as the largest organization dedicated to advancing obesity care, OMA has consistently championed innovation, education, and advocacy.

As we look ahead, the OMA's mission remains clear: to continue advancing the prevention, treatment, and reversal of obesity through collaboration, science, and advocacy. The next 75 years hold even greater promise for transforming the landscape of obesity medicine and fostering healthier futures for patients.