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.

As part of the on-site coverage of ADA 2024, Diana Isaacs, PharmD, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, hosts sat down with Robert Gabbay, MD, PhD, the chief scientific and medical officer of the ADA, for more insight into the newly formed Obesity Association, future plans, and how this move reflects the changing landscape of metabolic health.