Obesity Medicine Board Certification: Should Your Practice Pursue It?
The American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) offers board certification in obesity medicine. Here is what it involves, who should pursue it, and how it affects your practice.
Obesity Medicine Board Certification: Should Your Practice Pursue It?
As GLP-1 weight management programs have become a major revenue driver for medical practices, the question of credentialing has become more important. The American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) offers board certification in obesity medicine — a credential that signals expertise in this rapidly growing field.
This post covers what ABOM certification involves, who should pursue it, and how it affects your practice.
What Is the ABOM?
The American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) is a non-profit organization that provides board certification in obesity medicine. It was established in 2011 and has certified over 7,000 physicians and other healthcare providers.
ABOM certification is recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA) and is increasingly recognized by payers, hospitals, and patients as a marker of expertise in obesity medicine.
Who Can Pursue ABOM Certification?
ABOM certification is available to:
- Physicians (MD, DO) who are board-certified in any specialty
- Physician assistants (PA)
- Nurse practitioners (NP)
- Registered dietitians (RD)
The certification is open to providers from any specialty — you do not need to be an endocrinologist or internist.
The Certification Process
Eligibility Requirements
To sit for the ABOM examination, you must:
- Hold a current, unrestricted medical license
- Be board-certified in your primary specialty (for physicians)
- Complete a minimum number of continuing medical education (CME) hours in obesity medicine
The Examination
The ABOM examination is a 200-question multiple-choice exam covering:
- Pathophysiology of obesity
- Assessment and evaluation of patients with obesity
- Treatment approaches (lifestyle, pharmacological, surgical)
- Comorbidities of obesity
- Special populations (pediatrics, pregnancy, elderly)
The exam is offered twice per year (spring and fall).
Maintenance of Certification
ABOM certification must be renewed every 10 years. Maintenance requires:
- Continuing medical education in obesity medicine
- Passing a recertification examination
What the Certification Covers
ABOM-certified providers demonstrate competency in:
Obesity pathophysiology: Understanding the biological, genetic, and environmental factors that contribute to obesity.
Patient assessment: Comprehensive evaluation of patients with obesity, including assessment of comorbidities, weight history, and readiness for change.
Lifestyle interventions: Evidence-based dietary, physical activity, and behavioral interventions.
Pharmacological treatment: Including GLP-1 receptor agonists, other anti-obesity medications, and their appropriate use.
Surgical treatment: Understanding bariatric surgery options and appropriate patient selection.
Comorbidity management: Managing obesity-related conditions including T2D, hypertension, sleep apnea, and others.
Benefits for Your Practice
Patient Trust and Credibility
ABOM certification signals to patients that you have specialized training in obesity medicine. In a market where many providers are offering GLP-1 programs without specific obesity medicine training, this credential differentiates your practice.
Insurance and Payer Relations
Some payers recognize ABOM certification for credentialing purposes. As insurance coverage for obesity medicine expands, ABOM certification may become more important for payer contracting.
Regulatory Protection
In the event of a regulatory inquiry or malpractice claim, ABOM certification demonstrates that you have the training and expertise to prescribe GLP-1 therapy appropriately.
Practice Marketing
ABOM certification is a legitimate marketing differentiator. "Board-certified in obesity medicine" is a meaningful credential that patients can understand.
M&A Value
For practices considering a sale, ABOM-certified providers add value. PE buyers see credentialed providers as a quality indicator.
Is It Worth It?
For practices that have made GLP-1 weight management a significant part of their business, ABOM certification is worth pursuing. The investment in time and exam preparation is modest compared to the credentialing benefits.
For practices where GLP-1 is a minor add-on service, the calculus is different.
Preparing for the ABOM Exam
Resources for ABOM exam preparation:
- ABOM study guide: Available on the ABOM website
- Obesity Medicine Association (OMA): Offers CME courses and study materials
- The Obesity Society (TOS): Offers educational resources
- ABOM practice questions: Available through the ABOM website
Contact us with questions about building your obesity medicine practice →
This content is for informational purposes only. ABOM certification requirements are subject to change. Visit abom.org for current requirements.
Explore Topics
Written by
Shannon B.
Director of Provider Relations — GLP-1 & Compounding Specialist
Shannon leads provider relations at MedClinic Partners, working directly with licensed medical practices across all 50 states to onboard them onto the 503A/503B and peptide portal. She specializes in GLP-1 therapy protocols, NPI verification workflows, cGMP facility compliance, and cold-chain logistics for refrigerated compounded medications.
Editorial standards: All content on medclinicpartners.com is reviewed by licensed medical operators and compounding compliance specialists before publication. Articles are updated when regulatory guidance changes. This content is for licensed healthcare providers only and does not constitute medical advice.
