Obesity Week 2013

Welcome to the Inauguration of Obesity Week!

The Obesity Society (TOS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) are pleased to bring to you Obesity Week! We are looking forward to combining both organizations’ expertise to co-host our annual meetings at the world’s pre-eminent meeting on obesity, November 11-16, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.

The concept of Obesity Week originated about five years ago when the ASMBS and TOS decided to co-locate their Annual Meetings together to create something unique and unprecedented. TOS focuses on the science and prevention of obesity, while the main focus of ASMBS is the treatment of severe obesity via surgical intervention. The two societies share a common denominator with a multidisciplinary focus which encompasses not only the scientists and the surgeons, but the behavioral health, nutrition, pharmacology, and exercise specialties, and many more. Together these organizations have 60 years of experience, and you will clearly see this combined expertise reflected in this most comprehensive educational agenda in obesity research, treatment and prevention.

Obesity Week's audience will be both vast and diverse, as we anticipate the potential of 4500+ attendees ranging from clinicians, internal medicine physicians, surgeons, basic scientists, public health advocates and policy makers, students, epidemiologists, integrated health professionals, and additional professionals with a vested interest in obesity. In light of this, Obesity Week has reached out to numerous recognized national and international organizations and societies who share a common vision and has invited them to become event partners at two separate levels. There are seven Level 2 partners that will present individual symposia during scientific sessions: American Academy of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the American Heart Association/Nutrition, Physical Activity and Metabolism (AHA/NPAM), International Association for the Study of Obesity (IASO), International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO), Society for the Study of Ingestive Behavior (SSIB), and the Weight Management DPG/Academy for Nutrition and Dietetics (WM DPG/Academy). Then, there are a growing number of Level 3 Endorsing Partners who provide a large international presence. Be sure to visit the Obesity Week website to see the associations that comprise these partners who are endorsing Obesity Week.

There are four scheduled opportunities for both TOS and ASMBS attendees to come together with no competing programming or activities. Obesity Week is proud to be hosting two world-renowned experts as our keynote speakers, each representing their respective areas of focus: (1) In the area of obesity science and research we have Bruce M. Spiegelman, PhD, of Harvard University, (2) and in the area of obesity policy is Tom Farley, MD, MPH, New York City’s Health Commissioner. In addition to education, it is our hope that connections will be made and networks broadened as we make new friends and reconnect with our long-term friends! Included with your registration is a ticket to both the opening Welcome Reception and the closing AfterDark Event where both organizations will have the opportunity to relax and socialize. You will not want to miss any of these opportunities!

To the leadership of both TOS and ASMBS, we wish to express our sincere thanks. Your commitment to making this vision a reality has been the driving force behind the successful program and event you will experience in November. To the Obesity Week 2013 Board of Managers, thank you for your unwavering leadership and giving of your personal time to ensure event and educational excellence. To our numerous partners, supporters, and sponsors, we wish to thank you for your support! With confidence, we can recommend this program while ensuring that it truly does cover the entire scope of the obesity epidemic.

Mark your calendars, and join us in Atlanta this November for the inaugural event – Obesity Week 2013!

Gary Foster, PhD,
Chair, Obesity Week

Philip Schauer, MD,
Co-Chair, Obesity Week