Test Content Outline

I. Basic Concepts 25%

II. Diagnosis and Evaluation 30%

A. Causes of Obesity
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

A. History

Lifestyle/Behavioral
Environmental/Cultural
Genetic
Secondary
Epigenetics and Fetal Environment
Interaction Between Genetics and
Cultural/Social Factors

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

B. Lifestyle

B. Physiology/Pathophysiology
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

7.

8.

Neurohormonal
Enterohormonal
Body Fat Distribution
Pathophysiology of Obesity-Related Disorders
Body Composition and Energy Expenditure
Energy Balance and Hormonal Adaptation
to Weight Loss
Obesity Related Cell Physiology
and Metabolism
Brain, Gut, Adipocyte Interaction

1. Demographic/Socioeconomic/Cultural/
Lifestyle/Occupational
2. Physical Activity
3. Behavior/Psychosocial
4. Nutrition/Diet
C. Physical Assessment
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

C. Epidemiology
1. Incidence and Prevalence,
Demographic Distribution
2. Across the Life Cycle
D. Nutrition
1.

2.
3.

4.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Biomechanics
Kinesiology
Cardiorespiratory Fitness
Body Composition and Body Shaping
Muscular Strength and Endurance

American Board of Obesity Medicine

BMI
Waist Circumference
Neck Circumference
Obesity-related Physical Findings
Vital Signs
Underlying Syndromes
Lipomatosis
Signs of Nutritional Deficiency
Tanner Stage

D. Indications and Interpretation

Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) for

Macro and Micronutrients
Gastrointestinal Sites of Nutrient Absorption
Obesity Related Vitamin and
Mineral Metabolism
Macronutrient Diet Composition and Effects
on Body Weight and Metabolism

E. Physical Activity

Medications
Family History
Previous Weight Loss
Weight Gain
Comorbidities
Sleep

1. Resting Metabolic Rate

2. Body Composition Analysis
3. Diagnostic Tests
a. Comorbidities
b. Secondary Obesity
E. Screening Questionnaires
F. Medical Clearance
G. Research Tools

Test Content Outline

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III. Treatment 40%

5. Post-operative Management
a. Medical Inpatient
b. Medical Outpatient
c. Nutritional
d. Psychological
e. Adolescent Surgery

A. Behavior
1. Techniques/Therapies
2. Self-Monitoring Tools
B. Family Support and Participation

I. Medical/Legal Consent Forms

C. Individual, Group, Family Therapy

J. Patient Education

D. Diet
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

K. Strategies

Calorie and Micro/Macronutrient

Very Low Calorie Diet
Meal Replacement
Available Resources
Comorbid Conditions
Pediatric Guidelines

1.
2.

3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

9.

E. Physical Activity
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

FITTE
Mechanisms of Action
Prescription Tailoring
Exercise Tools
Methods to Reduce Sedentary Behaviors
Partnerships with Community
Based Programs

IV. Practice Management 5%

A. Initial

F. Pharmacotherapy, Pharmacology
1. Risks, Benefits, and Adverse Effects
2. Indications/Contraindications
3. Monitoring and Follow Up
4. Prescription Dose and Frequency
5. Drug-Drug, Drug-Nutrient,
Drug-Herbal Interactions
6. Off Label Usage/OTC
7. Multi-drug/Combination Therapy
8. Interaction Between Obesity and
Pharmacokinetics
9. Management of Drug-Induced Weight Gain
10. Local Regulations
G. Alternative, Emerging, and
Investigational Therapies

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Types, Risks, Benefits

Indications and Contraindications
Complications
Pre-operative Assessment and Preparation
a. Medical
b. Nutritional
c. Psychological

American Board of Obesity Medicine

Motivational Interviewing
Recognition and Management of Weight Bias
Stigma/Discrimination
Patient/Family/Caregiver Engagement
Culturally Tailored Communication
Mental Health

B. Office Procedures
1.
2.

3.
4.

Policies and Protocols

Obesity Management Guidelines
and Recommendations
Staff Training Techniques
Physician Personal Health Behaviors

C. Interdisciplinary Team
1. Role of Team
2. Communication and Collaboration
3. Advocacy

H. Surgical Procedures
1.
2.
3.
4.

Age-Related Treatment
Appropriate Rate of Weight Loss
and Weight Goal
Risks Associated with Excessive Weight Loss
Treatment of the Resistant Patient
Weight Gain Prevention Strategies
Management of Weight Plateau
Strategies to Prevent Obesity
anagement of Comorbid Conditions
During Weight Loss
Patient Management with Special Populations

D. Other

Test Content Outline

1.

2.
3.
4.
5.

Inpatient and Outpatient

Medical Complications
Cost Effectiveness of Treatment Options
Awareness of Societal Cost of Obesity
Reimbursement and Coding
Presentation of Success Rates

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