Diabetes Dialogue: ADA Introduces Obesity Association, with Robert Gabbay, MD, PhD

On the opening day of the 84th American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions, the ADA ushered in a new era for their organization with the announcement of the formation of the Obesity Association.

Created more than a decade after the American Medical Association recognized obesity as a disease, the new subdivision of the ADA was created to further the organization’s mission of advocating for and advancing treatment for patients. According to a news release, the ADA intends to develop a Standards of Care for Obesity and to leverage education, advocacy and evidence-based support to reduce barriers to optimal care for people affected by diabetes for people with and without diabetes.

“Clinical research is opening exciting new frontiers in the understanding and treatment of obesity. The ADA, through the Obesity Association, is uniquely positioned to translate these advances into weight wellness. We are eager to chart a new path in obesity care,” said Robert Gabbay, MD, PhD, the chief scientific and medical officer of the ADA.

As part of the on-site coverage of ADA 2024, Diana Isaacs, PharmD, an endocrine clinical pharmacist, director of Education and Training in Diabetes Technology, and codirector of Endocrine Disorders in Pregnancy at the Cleveland Clinic, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, program director of Diabetes Technology at University Hospitals Diabetes and Metabolic Care Center, hosts of Diabetes Dialogue: Technology, Therapeutics, & Real-World Perspectives, sat down with Gabbay for more insight into the newly formed Obesity Association, future plans, and how this move reflects the changing landscape of metabolic health.

Relevant disclosures for Dr. Gabbay include American Diabetes Association and Harvard Medical School. Relevant disclosures for Dr. Bellini include Abbott Diabetes Care, MannKind, Provention Bio, and others. Relevant disclosures for Dr. Pantalone include Novo Nordisk, AstraZeneca, Bayer Inc., Corcept Therapeutics, Diasome, Eli Lilly and Company, Sanofi, and others. Dr Rodriguez has no disclosures.

References:

1. ^{American Diabetes Association. The American Diabetes Association launches a New Obesity Division. American Diabetes Association Newsroom. June 21, 2024. Accessed June 23, 2024. https://diabetes.org/newsroom/press-releases/american-diabetes-association-launches-new-obesity-division.}
2. ^{Campbell P, Iapoce C. 10 years of obesity: A Decade of Advancement and challenges. HCP Live. June 23, 2023. Accessed June 23, 2024. https://www.hcplive.com/view/10-years-of-obesity-a-decade-of-advancement-and-challenges.}