What it means
Obesity medicine physicians usually come from primary care, internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, endocrinology or other fields. In the US and Canada, the American Board of Obesity Medicine certifies physicians who meet its training requirements and pass an exam. Certification must be renewed over time.
These clinicians typically combine nutrition, activity, behavior, sleep, medicines and referral to surgery when needed. They are used to managing GLP-1 dose changes, side effects and related conditions such as diabetes, fatty liver disease and sleep apnea.
Nurse practitioners, physician assistants, dietitians and psychologists also work in obesity care, and many have their own specialty training.
You do not need a specialist to start treatment, and many primary care clinicians prescribe GLP-1 medicines. A specialist can help when weight-related conditions are complex, when progress stalls or when you are weighing surgery.
Why it matters
A specialist can be useful when GLP-1 treatment is complicated by other conditions or side effects.