By Hannah Gitner, Director, Education Development & Learning Technology
The field of obesity treatment is rapidly evolving with new therapies and management strategies coming online nearly every day. Our popular Obesity Fellows Program is designed to keep rising endocrinologists up to date on all of the latest developments.
Now in its third year, the 2025 program will introduce for the first time a session on pediatric weight management, as well as a panel discussion with a patient who has undergone numerous weight loss treatments, including bariatric surgery.
Taking place September 19-20, 2025, the Obesity Fellows Program provides up to 50 U.S. endocrinology trainees and fellows with a comprehensive view of obesity management. The program is accepting applications through May 7.
One goal of the program is to break down lingering misunderstandings in the medical field that obesity is something that results from lifestyle choices or lack of willpower.
Evidence from both scientific literature and clinical practice has shown that obesity is a complex illness that merits the same quality of care as any other chronic disease. To underscore this point, our Fellows Program includes sessions on advancements of anti-obesity medications and the latest recommendations for weight management.
The addition of pediatric weight management helps us expand our focus on the need for comprehensive patient care. We know that early treatment in a person’s life is crucial to preventing other health issues down the road.
We also know that a patient-centered approach to obesity management is most effective in the long run. That’s why we scheduled an actual patient to share their treatment story and offer insights on what works and doesn’t work.
At the Society, we’re always looking to improve our educational programming. We’re also gratified to hear from fellows who enjoyed our program from our previous years:
As one participant last year noted: “Overall, it was a wonderful experience, and the opportunity to engage in discussions with the speakers during Q&A sessions provided clarity on complex issues we face in our practice. Their willingness to share their experiences and answer questions demonstrated a genuine commitment to advancing our understanding of obesity treatment. Thank you once again for organizing such an informative and inspiring event.”
Other participants echoed those thoughts: “Each speaker brought a unique perspective, whether discussing innovative treatment approaches, the latest research findings, or the importance of multidisciplinary care. And the practical strategies and evidence-based recommendations shared will undoubtedly enhance our efforts in addressing obesity within our community. The emphasis on patient-centered care and the integration of behavioral health into treatment plans resonated deeply with me.”
The Obesity Fellows Program is a blended learning experience on best practices in obesity care. Participants engage with some of the top obesity medicine specialists working today. The program includes stipends for travel, a two-night hotel accommodation, and meal expenses.
Upon successful completion of these educational initiatives, participants should be better able to:
This program is supported by an educational grant from Lilly and Novo Nordisk.
