The Obesity Society

The Obesity Society is the leading scientific society dedicated to the study of obesity. Since its founding in 1982, The Society has been committed to encouraging research on the causes and treatment of obesity, and to keeping the medical community and public informed of new advances. Through research, education and advocacy, TOS works to better understand, prevent and treat obesity and improve the lives of those affected.

The society has approximately 2,500 members made up of about 40% PhDs, 38% MDs and 2% RDs. Physician specialties include endocrinology, internal medicine, psychology, psychiatry, pediatrics bariatric surgery and family practice. Members work in universities, hospitals, individual or group practice, medical school, government, and other fields.

Obesity is the flagship scientific journal of the Society. Available in print and online, it is dedicated to increasing knowledge, fostering research, and promoting better treatment for people with obesity. The journal publishes peer-reviewed scientific research articles, as well as relevant reviews, brief cutting-edge reports, commentaries and perspectives on public health and medical developments.

TOS's Annual Scientific Meeting has grown to be one of the world’s largest gatherings of obesity professionals at all stages of their careers, including leading obesity scientists presenting cutting-edge research. The meeting brings together the leading players in the field of obesity from world-renowned speakers, researchers and clinicians to educators, advocates, policymakers and practitioners. The meeting provides essential educational and networking opportunities and is a forum for increasing knowledge, stimulating research, and promoting better treatment for those affected by this disease.

In 2013, the Society combines its resources with the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) to co-locate each group's respective annual meeting under one roof as part of the inaugural ObesityWeek event. ObesityWeek is a week-long, annual scientific and educational conference covering the full scope of the obesity issue, from cutting edge basic science and clinical research to intervention and public policy.