The Weight Management DPG establishes network relationships with other organizations for special projects, resource sharing and to participate in coalitions with shared goals and objectives. Networks can be for short- term projects or meetings or for ongoing collaboration. Over the years, the WM DPG has had network relationship with The Obesity Society (TOS) and The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). As the DPG develops the 2018 – 2023 strategic plan, a key part of this is assessing what groups would be good network partners. Assessing potential networks will involve not only the goals of the strategic plan but ideas and suggestions from DPG members. For background, here is a brief history of the two original Network partners.
The Obesity Society
The Obesity Society (TOS) was the first network established by WM DPG. Having similar missions, WM DPG and TOS share information useful to both organizations.
Who is TOS?
TOS is the leading scientific society dedicated to the study of obesity. Since 1982, TOS has been committed to encouraging research on the causes and treatment of obesity, and to keeping the medical community and public informed of new advances. Learn more about The Obesity Society (TOS).
Joining TOS
The Obesity Society membership is open to all healthcare professionals working in the field of obesity. A dietitian may join TOS in their “Regular” member category. There is also a “Student” member category.
During the 2017 – 2018 fiscal year the WM DPG, The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and The Obesity Society had meetings to discuss moving the Network relationship to an official Academy Alliance with TOS. In the fall of 2018, the formal agreement was signed and the relationship with TOS is now facilitated through the Academy with support from WM DPG
The American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery
In January 2008, The American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) became WM DPG's second Network. With similar missions, WM DPG and ASMBS share information useful to both organizations.
Who is ASMBS?
Founded in 1983, ASMBS plays an active role in promoting obesity surgery. Their committees are tasked with pursuing improvement in the insurance milieu, development and dissemination of information about surgical and patient care equipment, evolution of care standards, and involvement in malpractice litigation related to bariatric surgery. Learn more about The American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).
Joining ASMBS
A dietitian may join ASMBS as an associate member. ASMBS members receive reduced registration at the ASMBS Annual Meeting and Ancillary courses. Learn more about ASMBS.
Other Collaborations
WM DPG collaborates with other groups who have similar goals. These collaborations may be short-term, an advocacy day, or they may involve more ongoing sharing of information.
Currently, the WM DPG collaborates with the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) and the Obesity Care Advocacy Network (OCAN) to advance legislative issues that are important for weight management and access to care.
Learn more about OAC here. And learn more about OCAN here.