About

What is the American Society of Bariatric Physicians?
The Society was founded in 1950 and is the oldest medical association focused on the education and training of medical professionals treating and managing patients affected by obesity and associated conditions. Learn about the ASBP history. The Society is a medical professional association for physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants focused on the treatment and management of overweight and obese patients and their related conditions. Learn more about ASBP Membership Benefits. The Society is the primary source for clinical education and training for the medical management of obesity.

Why Does the Society Exist?
Everyone recognizes the obesity epidemic in the United States, yet many physicians and medical professionals do not have the practical and clinical information necessary to effectively treat patients affected by obesity. Get answers to Frequently Asked Questions about obesity. The Society provides the information, tools and templates for physicians and other health care professionals to answer the patient question, “How do I lose weight?” The Society also effectively helps clinicians improve their patients' overall health and wellbeing.  Physician supervision is necessary to detect and treat weight-related medical conditions. A program supervised by a physician, who is a member of the Society and has completed specialized training in obesity medicine, offers a comprehensive and effective approach to maximizing overall health and reversing co-morbidities.

What Does the Society Do?
The Society provides collaborative practical clinical information to doctors and other health care professionals so that they can implement and run successful medical bariatric practices. Learn more about CME and training opportunities. It also provides resources, including tools, templates and advice for medical bariatric practices, whether they need a marketing brochure, treatment guidelines or practical business information to run a successful clinic.  Visit the ASBP Online Store to learn more about these valuable resources.

The Society offers a body of knowledge in the practice of bariatric medicine that includes multi-disciplinary techniques and specialized intervention guidelines to help doctors treat patients affected by obesity.  Read ASBP Position Statements.

The Society hosts conferences and symposiums for bariatric physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants to gather and share information about treating patients and running a successful practice.  Learn more about upcoming conferences and workshops.