Shortage of Obesity Medicine Specialists in the United States

Obesity is among the most prevalent, expensive diseases in the United States, affecting more than 100 million Americans and costing $1.72 trillion annually.1 In June 2021, the Food and Drug Administration approved semaglutide for obesity, bringing increased attention to the obesity medicine field. In recent years, the growth of the specialty has accelerated, with physicians pursuing fellowship training or 60 continuing medical education credits, followed by an examination, for board certification.