|
UPCOMING EVENTS
November 7-21, 2009 Certification Examination for Physician Nutrition Specialists, PSI/Laser Grade
November 17-19, 2009
Forum on Child Obesity Interventions
Mexico City, Mexico
Full Details
January 9-14, 2010 Keystone Symposia: Triglycerides and Triglyceride-Rich Particles in Health and Disease
Big Sky, Montana
Full DetailsJanuary 22 - 25, 2010 Sanibel Conference on Mass Spectrometry, From Structural Biology to Drug Discovery: New Roles for Mass Spectrometry of Nucleic Acids
St. Pete Beach, Florida
Full DetailsJanuary 24 - 29, 2010 Keystone Symposia: Adipose Tissue Biology & Neuronal Control of Appetite, Metabolism and Weight
Keystone, ColoradoFull DetailsJanuary 28-30, 2010 1st International Congress on Abdominal Obesity: Bridging the Gap Between Cardiology and Diabetology
Hong Kong, China
Full Details |
|
Targeted for MDs, NPs, CNMs, PAs, RNs and Dietitians from family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics and women's health settings, this national conference, presented in affiliation with The Obesity Society and the Centers for Obesity Research and Education (CORE), will provide evidence-based, practical information and tools for helping overweight and obese patients lose weight and maintain their weight loss. For details and/or to register contact Contemporary Forums at 800-377-7707 ext. 0 or visit us online at www.contemporaryforums.com | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Dear Society Members,
As incoming president of The Obesity Society, I am honored to serve the society and am excited about the initiatives we are planning for this coming year.
First, I wish to acknowledge immediate past president, Dr. Robert Kushner, for his exceptional leadership and the accomplishments that were achieved over the past year. His ability to develop organizational structure along with his hard work and dedication helped guide TOS through a difficult year. Many of these efforts will continue as we move forward including, of special note, the Certified Obesity Medical Physician Program (COMP), which Bob will continue to spearhead through Phase II of development.
Second, I'd like to thank everyone for making Obesity 2009 one of our most successful meetings to date. Dr. Jack Yanovski (Chair) and Dr. Susan K. Fried (Co-chair) put together an outstanding annual conference in Washington, DC. We received over 1000 abstracts and published 983. The meeting brought together a record-breaking 2,400 attendees in a time of economic cutbacks. The science, research and clinical presentations were outstanding--a tribute to the distinguished speakers who participated. Next year's conference in San Diego, CA October 8-12, 2010 is expected to be as exciting. Please mark your calendars now!
Finally, I'd like to look to the future. As I mentioned, last year was a difficult one financially and operationally. But, we now have clear oversight and understanding of the finances and a new Executive Vice President in place. We also have a strong infrastructure of volunteer-led committees that will work to provide value to our members. Together, we'll concentrate our efforts on continued implementation of the Strategic Plan.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Warm Regards, 
Donna H. Ryan, MD
President, The Obesity Society |
 NOTE FROM THE EVP
"I Am Your Servant Leader"
This may seem an interesting way to define myself, but in "nonprofit speak" it is a term that aptly defines my role. A successful nonprofit staff leader is one who appreciates that the organization belongs to the members and it is their direction we must follow.
During the 27th Annual Scientific Meeting in Washington, DC, I had the opportunity to speak with quite a few TOS members and non-member attendees. I was thoroughly impressed by the caliber and intellect and influence of those I met. Additionally, I was pleased to begin listening and building the relationships that would guide me in setting the right course.
To further hear what TOS members and non-member attendees desire, the Council has committed to a robust Membership Survey. The survey will help us hear your ideas and develop plans to answer your requests. Results from this survey will help Council and me to better serve you, our members. I hope you all take time to respond to the survey in early 2010.
Warm Regards,
Francesca Dea
Executive Vice President |
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT EVALUATIONS
For those who attended Obesity 2009 in Washington, DC, October 24-28, we are pleased to inform you of the Continuing Education Credit Evaluations that are available to you through the Live Learning Center. Simply visit The Obesity Society's Live Learning Center to complete your evaluation and receive your certificate for the sessions you attended in Washington.
This year, for the first time, we are offering five different types of continuing education credit (CME, CPE, CEU, CNE, and CPEU). The evaluation process is uniform for all of the different types.
- Click on 'Annual Meetings'
- Then, in the box with the 2009 meeting logo, you will see 'Click here to go to the Online Evaluation and Continuing Education Credit Application System.' Click on that link.
- Enter your badge number from the lower-right-hand corner of your annual meeting name badge and the email address you used to register for the meeting, then click on 'Login' to enter the site.
- Once you have completed the evaluation of each session you attended, simply choose the type of continuing education you wish and print out your certificate for your records.
If you have any questions, please contact us by email at: education@obesity.org or call:301-563-6526. |
|
Q & A WITH TOS PRESIDENT, DONNA H. RYAN, MD
Are the First Family and the Obama Administration Sending the Right Messages About Living a Healthy Lifestyle?
We've recently received a lot of press inquiries about the influence of the Obama administration on Americans living a healthy lifestyle. We thought you might like to share one of these interviews.
Q: Do you feel that the first family is setting a good example for Americans to live a healthy lifestyle?
Donna Ryan: The First Family is always positioned to be a role model for all American families. The Obesity Society endorses many of the positive aspects of the Obama Family lifestyle. Both parents seem to find personal time to pursue physical activity and there have been media pieces showing the family preparing meals and dining together. Family activities focused around meal preparation and being physically active are important aspects of a healthy family lifestyle.
Q: How do you feel about President Obama's publicized visits to restaurants such as Ben's Chili Bowl, Pete's Apizza, and Five Guys?
DR: The Obesity Society does not demonize any restaurant or, for that matter, any particular food. Healthy choices are available at almost every dining establishment. There is a long tradition of special meals and special feasts. The secret to healthy weight is to indulge only rarely and to practice moderation on a daily basis. We believe it is more effective to make constructive recommendations to our patients rather than being overly critical and negative.
Q: Do you think Michelle Obama's vegetable garden is sending a positive message to Americans?
DR: Absolutely. We endorse the efforts of the Obama's to encourage home gardening, of the edible schoolyard movement and the community garden movement. The home garden is a great way to increase fruit and vegetable consumption and to increase physical activity at the same time. There is an old saying that is particularly true, "The secret of a long life is a large garden."
Q: What are your feelings on the episode of The Biggest Loser that was filmed at the White House?
DR: We are not really aware of this episode. The Obesity Society is concerned that The Biggest Loser promotes unreasonable approaches to weight loss. We believe the healthiest and best approach is to set modest weight loss goals - 10% - and to work at maintaining that modest loss. Modest weight loss of 5-10% has been shown to produce major health benefits and the weight loss and the behaviors to sustain that loss can also produce health benefits. | |
|
IASO AWARDS FOR SCIENTIFIC EXCELLENCE 2010
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
The International Association for the Study of Obesity (IASO) would like to invite nominations for its Awards for Scientific Excellence 2010. These will be presented during the 11th International Congress on Obesity (ICO) in Stockholm, Sweden, 11-15 July 2010.
No self nominations will be accepted for the Awards. The DEADLINE for submitting nominations has been extended until Monday, November 30, 2009.
Further information is available at: http://www.iaso.org/awards.asp
Please send inquiries regarding this announcement to awards@iaso.org |
INDUSTRY NEWS: DIET DRUGS
Read up on new data about the latest Phase III diet drugs that are helping pave the way for future obesity treatment.
|
SOLUTIONS: ERADICATING AMERICA'S OBESITY EPIDEMIC
The Obesity Society's Top 10 Ways to Reverse the Obesity Epidemic
In August 2009, The Obesity Society authored an article that was published in the Washington Times indicating solutions to eradicate the obesity epidemic. The article highlighted the need to change the public perception and understanding of obesity, promote education on the complex causes and consequences of obesity, increase access to professional treatment, and change national policies. We've added it to our list of position statements because it lays out very clearly the society's thinking on this topic.
|
About Us
The Obesity Society
8630 Fenton Street
Suite 814
Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
301-563-6526 phone 301-563-6595 fax
If you have questions or information for potential inclusion in the newsletter, please let us know:
Jane Pratt, Director of Communications
Lauren Davis, Communications Assistant
| |
|
|
|
