A record number of physicians applied to take the 2015 American Board of Obesity Medicine certification exam, recognizing doctors for their expertise in treating obesity and overweight. In total, 542 physicians applied to sit for the test that will be given December 5-12 at computer-based testing centers throughout the United States and Canada. The total number of applicants represents a 27 percent increase from 2014. Over the past two years, 965 doctors have applied to sit for the ABOM exam.

“We are greatly encouraged by the growing interest from doctors who are looking to become certified as obesity medicine specialists,” said ABOM Board Chair Robert Kushner, MD. “This is a clear sign that there is a commitment to treat obesity from the medical community.”

The 2015 candidates represent more than a dozen medical specialties including internal medicine (34%), family medicine (29%), endocrinology (6%), pediatrics (6%), and ob/gyn (5%).

“These numbers illustrate that doctors from diverse backgrounds are recognizing the need to educate themselves about the evidence-based treatment options available to their patients,” said ABOM Executive Director Dana Brittan.

The ABOM began overseeing the certification process for obesity medicine physicians in 2011. Today, there are nearly 1,200 certified obesity medicine specialists throughout the United States and Canada.