Research. Education. Action.
We are the leading scientific membership organization advancing the science-based understanding of the causes, consequences, prevention and treatment of obesity in order to improve the lives of those affected.
COVID-19 Update
The Obesity Society Offices are currently closed
due to the COVID-19 pandemic
but we are continuing to work remotely.
We can be reached by email at contact@obesity.org or
by phone at 301.563.6526 and will do our best to respond within 24 hours.
Spotlight your research at the
annual meeting of The Obesity Society!
Research. Education. Action.
We are the leading scientific membership organization advancing the science-based understanding of the causes, consequences, prevention and treatment of obesity in order to improve the lives of those affected.
COVID-19 Update
The Obesity Society Offices are currently closed
due to the COVID-19 pandemic
but we are continuing to work remotely.
We can be reached by email at contact@obesity.org or
by phone at 301.563.6526
and will do our best to respond
within 24 hours.
Spotlight your research at the annual meeting of The Obesity Society!
Abstract submissionopening in April
Advancing the Science of Obesity
You can make a difference.
Supporting Interactions
The Obesity Society works with professionals and various audiences on:
- Valuable conferences and educational opportunities, including early-career professional development and achievement programs
- Informative professional/academic and popular publications
- Essential financial development and support
Partnerships and Collaborations
NORC (Nutrition Obesity Research Centers)
www.norccentral.org
Funded by NIH (National Institutes of Health)
Increasing Impact
The Obesity Society also helps leaders, investigators and innovators to:
- Launch and promote needed public health initiatives
- Translate basic science and clinical trial results into real-world interventions
- Expand the boundaries of scientific exploration
News You Can Use
North American Obesity Organizations Recognize World Obesity Day
The Obesity Society (TOS), Obesity Action Coalition (OAC), Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) in the United States and Obesity Canada are among the six organizations joining together today to mark the inaugural observance of World Obesity Day…
Study Suggests Obesity Associated with Greater Greenhouse Gas Emissions
A new analysis suggests that the increasing average body size of people on Earth, in addition to the growing world population may further…
Intensive behavioral therapy and liraglutide 3.0 mg show positive results for weight loss
Intensive behavioral therapy (IBT) combined with liraglutide 3.0 mg (Saxenda) can produce clinically-meaningful weight loss…
Researchers propose new disease classification system for obesity
Researchers are proposing a new scientifically correct and medically actionable disease classification system for obesity, according to a paper published online in Obesity…
RESEARCH GRANTS
Promoting and rewarding new ideas in obesity research.
AWARDS
The Obesity Society is proud to recognize the award recipients for 2019!
INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS
Patient Informational Pages to Healthcare Providers
NEWSROOM
Supplying the latest news about the entire obesity field.
2018 OBESITY IMPACT FACTOR
OUR JOURNAL’S INFLUENCE
NUMBER OF PEOPLE WITH OBESITY
CLINICAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACT OF OBESITY
NUMBER OF COMORBID DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH OBESITY
ATTENDANCE AT OBESITYWEEK® 2018
Continuing a Heritage of Leadership
TOS President
Lee M. Kaplan, MD, PhD, FTOS
Dr. Lee M. Kaplan is director of the Obesity, Metabolism and Nutrition Institute at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and founding director of the hospital’s Weight Center. He is also associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School (HMS). Dr. Kaplan’s research focuses on the role of the gastrointestinal tract in the regulation of energy balance and metabolic function, including the mechanism of action of bariatric and metabolic surgery. He has authored more than 200 medical and scientific papers.
Dr. Kaplan is director of the subspecialty fellowship program in Obesity Medicine and Nutrition at MGH; director of the Blackburn Course in Obesity Medicine at HMS; and associate director of the Nutrition and Obesity Research Center at Harvard, which is sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine and a diplomate in internal medicine and gastroenterology of the American Board of Internal Medicine.
TOS President-Elect
Catherine Kotz, PhD, FTOS
A leading researcher into the neuroscience of obesity and energy balance, Dr. Catherine Kotz is professor and director of graduate studies at the University of Minnesota’s Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology.
She is also acting associate director of research at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center in Minneapolis.
Dr. Kotz is a long-time, active member of TOS and has served on numerous Society committees, including Public Affairs, Nominating, Planning, Finance and Publications.
She has also served on TOS Council and as a spokesperson for the organization. She holds two advanced degrees from the University of Minnesota; a PhD in nutrition sciences and a master of science degree in human nutrition.
TOS President-Elect
Catherine Kotz, PhD, FTOS
A leading researcher into the neuroscience of obesity and energy balance, Dr. Catherine Kotz is professor and director of graduate studies at the University of Minnesota’s Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology.
She is also acting associate director of research at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center in Minneapolis.
Dr. Kotz is a long-time, active member of TOS and has served on numerous Society committees, including Public Affairs, Nominating, Planning, Finance and Publications.
She has also served on TOS Council and as a spokesperson for the organization. She holds two advanced degrees from the University of Minnesota; a PhD in nutrition sciences and a master of science degree in human nutrition.
TOS Vice President
Dan Bessesen, MD, FTOS
Dr. Dan Bessesen is professor of medicine in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes at the University of Colorado, School of Medicine (UCSOM). He is also director of the Anschutz Health and Wellness Center on the campus of UCSOM, the associate director of the Colorado Nutrition Obesity Research Center, and holds the Anschutz Foundation Endowed Chair in Health and Wellness.
Dr. Bessesen has conducted research funded by the National Institutes of Health into nutrient metabolism and the regulation of body weight, and has also researched the care of patients with obesity. He has been a member of TOS since 1995 and has served on multiple committees and in many leadership positions. Dr. Bessesen holds a bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University and received his MD degree from the University of Colorado Denver Health Sciences Center.
TOS Immediate Past President
Steven B. Heymsfield, MD, FTOS
Steven B. Heymsfield, M.D. is a widely published author, educator and researcher who has extensively investigated topics ranging from obesity and malnutrition to cachexia, body composition and caloric expenditure.
He currently serves as professor and director of the Body Composition-Metabolism Laboratory at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center of the Louisiana State University System in Baton Rouge.
His previous positions include professor of medicine and deputy director of the New York Obesity Research Center at Columbia University.
Dr. Heymsfield has published more than 600 peer-reviewed papers and has received numerous awards for his studies in the field of human nutrition.
TOS Immediate Past President
Steven B. Heymsfield, MD, FTOS
Steven B. Heymsfield, M.D. is a widely published author, educator and researcher who has extensively investigated topics ranging from obesity and malnutrition to cachexia, body composition and caloric expenditure.
He currently serves as professor and director of the Body Composition-Metabolism Laboratory at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center of the Louisiana State University System in Baton Rouge.
His previous positions include professor of medicine and deputy director of the New York Obesity Research Center at Columbia University.
Dr. Heymsfield has published more than 600 peer-reviewed papers and has received numerous awards for his studies in the field of human nutrition.
TOS Secretary/Treasurer
Leah Whigham, PhD, FTOS
Dr. Leah Whigham is the founding executive director of the Paso del Norte Institute for Healthy Living (IHL) and associate professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences at the University of Texas at El Paso.
Her research has increased our understanding of metabolism as it relates to obesity, the influence of nutrients and immune function on body composition, and the impact of the environment on nutrition and physical activity.
At the IHL, Dr. Whigham oversees a mission to increase healthy eating and active living by providing a bridge between science and application that empowers individuals, families, organizations, and communities to build a culture of health.
Dr. Whigham has a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Iowa State University and a PhD in nutritional sciences from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.