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.
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.
Obesity Journal Symposium papers now online!
Access December ObesityRead winners onlineAlso see them in December’s Obesity
Advancing the Science of Obesity
You can make a difference.
Getting Connected
Learn moreGetting Connected
The Obesity Society connects with experts, government/non-government organizations and the public to:
- Develop, influence and promote vital policies and public positions
- Create and implement guidelines and cross-discipline learning, sharing and action that advances healthy behaviors
- Reduce obesity-related bias
Supporting Interactions
Learn moreSupporting 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
Increasing Impact
Learn moreIncreasing 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
New President Named for
The Obesity Society
Steven B. Heymsfield, MD, FTOS, an obesity and human nutrition expert and one of the world’s highest-cited research scholars, will serve…
The Obesity Society
Elects Officers
Two long-time members of The Obesity Society (TOS) have joined the organization’s Executive Committee…
The Obesity Society Calls for More Research on Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax
Experts note questions remain on tax structure, diet changes to health and obesity outcomes…
TOS to Promote Specialized Physician Training in Obesity Care Across the
U.S.
Collaborative effort aims to transform care through Obesity Medicine Fellowship Development Program…
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Continuing a Heritage of Leadership
TOS 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 President Elect
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
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 Vice President
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 Immediate Past President
Caroline Apovian, MD, MD, FACP, FTOS, DABOM
Caroline Apovian, MD, a nationally and internationally recognized authority on nutrition and obesity medicine, is professor of medicine and pediatrics in the Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Nutrition at Boston University School of Medicine.
Dr. Apovian also serves as director of the Center for Nutrition and Weight Management at Boston Medical Center. She has authored more than 10 books and more than 170 peer-reviewed original research and review articles on obesity and nutrition.
Her research includes the study of weight loss/gain and its effects on adipose tissue metabolism and inflammation; obesity and cardiovascular disease; diabetes and cardiovascular disease in the bariatric surgery population; disparities in the treatment of obesity in underserved populations; and investigations into novel pharmacotherapeutic agents for the treatment of obesity.
TOS Immediate Past President
Caroline Apovian, MD, FACP, FTOS, DABOM
Caroline Apovian, MD, a nationally and internationally recognized authority on nutrition and obesity medicine, is professor of medicine and pediatrics in the Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Nutrition at Boston University School of Medicine.
Dr. Apovian also serves as director of the Center for Nutrition and Weight Management at Boston Medical Center. She has authored more than 10 books and more than 170 peer-reviewed original research and review articles on obesity and nutrition.
Her research includes the study of weight loss/gain and its effects on adipose tissue metabolism and inflammation; obesity and cardiovascular disease; diabetes and cardiovascular disease in the bariatric surgery population; disparities in the treatment of obesity in underserved populations; and investigations into novel pharmacotherapeutic agents for the treatment of obesity.
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.