Weight Loss & Metabolic Health
What Is an Obesity Medicine Specialist?
Last reviewed: May 2026 · Haute MD Editorial Team
An obesity medicine specialist is a physician certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) with expertise in the comprehensive treatment of obesity using nutrition, behavior modification, exercise, and medications. They are trained to manage GLP-1 medications, combination therapies, post-bariatric care, and the complex hormonal and metabolic factors that drive weight gain.
Training and certification
ABOM diplomates are licensed physicians (MD or DO) who complete additional education in obesity medicine, pass a rigorous certification exam, and maintain continuing education. As of 2024, there are over 7,000 ABOM-certified physicians in the US.
What they treat
Obesity, overweight with comorbidities, post-bariatric weight regain, GLP-1 management, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, PCOS-related weight issues, hormonal weight gain, and pediatric obesity (with appropriate fellowship).
Why see one vs. a generalist
Obesity medicine specialists understand the chronic, relapsing nature of obesity; they're comfortable prescribing and titrating GLP-1s; they offer comprehensive lifestyle and behavioral support; they coordinate with bariatric surgery when appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find an ABOM-certified physician?
Search the ABOM directory at abom.org.
Does insurance cover obesity medicine visits?
Increasingly yes — covered as preventive care for many plans.
Are obesity medicine specialists the same as bariatricians?
Largely overlapping terms; both refer to physicians specializing in obesity treatment.
Can they perform surgery?
Only if also trained as bariatric surgeons. Most refer surgical patients to bariatric surgery colleagues.
Get Help Now
Speak with a Haute MD Internal Medicine physician
Dr. Alexander Golberg
Internal Medicine · New York, NY
View Profile
Dr. Kern Brar
MD
Internal Medicine · Oceanside, CA
View ProfileAre you a Internal Medicine physician?
Join Haute MD Network and have your profile featured alongside these answers.
Apply for the NetworkRelated Guides
Guide · WEIGHT LOSS & METABOLIC HEALTH
What Is a Weight Loss Consultation?
A weight loss consultation is a structured medical visit — typically 60 to 90 minutes — with an obesity medicine physician, endocrinologist, or bariatric.
Read GuideGuide · WEIGHT LOSS & METABOLIC HEALTH
How Do I Choose a Weight Loss Doctor?
Choosing a weight loss doctor requires evaluating board certification (obesity medicine, endocrinology, or bariatric surgery), experience with medical and.
Read GuideGuide · WEIGHT LOSS & METABOLIC HEALTH
What Is the Difference Between Endocrinology and Obesity Medicine?
Endocrinology is a broad subspecialty treating hormonal disorders — diabetes, thyroid, adrenal, pituitary, reproductive — while obesity medicine.
Read Guide