Obesity Medicine Leaders Gather at Columbia for the 2026 Columbia Cornell Obesity: Etiology, Prevention, and Treatment Course

The Columbia Cornell Obesity Medicine (CCOM) program recently welcomed healthcare professionals from across the country to New York City for the 2026 Obesity: Etiology, Prevention, and Treatment course, an intensive four-day educational experience focused on the science, prevention, and clinical management of obesity.

Co-directed by Dr. Sabrina Diano and Dr. Tirissa Reid of Columbia University Irving Medical Center's Institute of Human Nutrition, the course was held in person at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and livestreamed, bringing together nationally recognized experts in obesity medicine to provide participants with a comprehensive review of current evidence-based approaches to obesity care. The course offered up to 31.75 CME credits and served as a foundational educational experience for physicians and healthcare professionals seeking advanced training in obesity medicine.

Exploring the Science of Obesity

The program opened with sessions examining the epidemiology, health risks, physiology, genetics, and pathophysiology of obesity, led by distinguished faculty including Dr. Louis Aronne, Dr. Sabrina Diano, Dr. Rudolph Leibel, Dr. Michael Rosenbaum, and Dr. Giles Yeo. Participants also explored the impact of weight bias and stigma on healthcare outcomes and patient care.

Additional sessions focused on nutrition, behavioral interventions, physical activity, and emerging research related to obesity treatment. Faculty presented evidence-based strategies for helping patients achieve meaningful and sustainable health outcomes through individualized care plans.

Advances in Obesity Treatment

A major focus of the course was the rapidly evolving landscape of obesity pharmacotherapy and clinical management. Faculty explored current treatment guidelines, medical assessment strategies, FDA-approved and off-label medications, and approaches for managing medication side effects. Sessions also examined obesity-related conditions, including type 2 diabetes, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), sleep disorders, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and kidney disease.

The course featured a keynote presentation by Babak J. Orandi, MD, PhD, DABOM, who discussed obesity across the kidney disease continuum, from chronic kidney disease risk through post-transplant outcomes.

Addressing Obesity Across the Lifespan

Recognizing that obesity affects individuals across all stages of life, the program included dedicated sessions on pediatric obesity prevention and treatment, family-centered counseling approaches, pharmacotherapy in youth, pediatric metabolic and bariatric surgery, and case-based discussions focused on clinical decision-making. Faculty also addressed obesity management in women during midlife and menopause and considerations for older adults living with obesity.

Surgical and Advanced Treatment Approaches

Participants also explored advanced obesity treatment modalities, including endobariatric procedures, bariatric surgery, post-operative care, and nutrient metabolism after surgery. Interactive case discussions allowed attendees to apply evidence-based principles to complex clinical scenarios involving cancer, psychiatric comorbidities, and long-term obesity management.

Continuing Education Opportunities Available Now

Healthcare professionals who were unable to attend the live course can still participate through Columbia Cornell Obesity Medicine's on-demand educational offerings.

Currently available courses include:

• Obesity: Etiology, Prevention, and Treatment — an on-demand version of the foundational course that explores the science, prevention, and treatment of obesity.
• Obesity: Additional Topics for Advanced Study — an advanced on-demand course designed to expand participants' understanding of the science, sociology, and latest clinical approaches to obesity.
• Review for the Obesity Medicine Certification Exam — a focused review course designed to help participants prepare for the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) certification examination.

Together, these programs provide healthcare professionals with opportunities to deepen their expertise in obesity medicine while earning continuing medical education credits. For physicians pursuing board certification in obesity medicine, the courses also offer ABOM Group 1 credits. These activities are also approved for Maintenance of Certification (MOC) credit through participating specialty boards. Physicians can learn more about board certification requirements and eligibility through the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM).

To learn more about and register for upcoming and currently available courses, visit the Columbia Cornell Obesity Medicine website.