Board Certified Obesity Management Specialist (BCOMS)

The Board Certified Obesity Management Specialist (BCOMS) credential recognizes qualified professionals with specialized knowledge in the comprehensive care and support of individuals living with overweight and obesity. This certification is open to both clinical and non-clinical applicants who demonstrate a strong foundation in evidence-based obesity care.

The certification exam covers core competencies in obesity epidemiology, nutritional and pharmacological interventions, behavioral therapy, physical activity planning, surgical treatment options, and management of obesity-related comorbidities. It also assesses applied skills in client assessment, communication, and patient education—ensuring ethical, compassionate, and practical approaches to long-term weight management and health promotion.

Exam Outline

Domain 01: Foundations of Obesity and Energy Balance (15%)
Covers the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and etiology of obesity, including genetic, metabolic, hormonal, environmental, and behavioral factors. Also includes principles of energy homeostasis, energy expenditure, and weight regulation.

Domain 02: Assessment and Diagnosis of Obesity (15%)
Focuses on comprehensive obesity-focused assessments including medical history, lifestyle evaluation, anthropometric measurements (BMI, waist circumference, body composition), physical examination, and classification of obesity-related comorbidities.

Domain 03: Nutritional Interventions for Obesity Management (20%)
Covers evidence-based dietary strategies for weight reduction and maintenance, including caloric prescription, macronutrient distribution, dietary patterns (e.g., Mediterranean, low-carb, plant-based), meal planning, and managing nutrient deficiencies during weight loss.

Domain 04: Behavioral and Lifestyle Interventions (15%)
Includes counseling strategies, motivational interviewing, goal setting, relapse prevention, and self-monitoring techniques. Emphasizes behavioral change models and their application in long-term obesity care.

Domain 05: Pharmacologic and Surgical Interventions (10%)
Covers anti-obesity medications, their mechanisms, indications, and monitoring. Also includes an overview of bariatric surgery types, eligibility criteria, nutritional implications, and post-operative management.

Domain 06: Physical Activity and Obesity (10%)
Addresses the role of physical activity in obesity management, including exercise prescription principles, energy expenditure, and tailoring programs based on age, comorbidities, and physical limitations.

Domain 07: Obesity Across the Lifespan (10%)
Covers age-specific considerations in obesity management including pediatric obesity, adult populations, pregnancy, and geriatric care. Includes developmental, psychosocial, and physiological differences.

Domain 08: Ethics, Communication, and Patient-Centered Care (5%)
Focuses on the use of non-stigmatizing language, cultural competence, ethical decision-making, and compassionate, respectful communication with individuals living with obesity.

Recommended Resources

Recommended Core Texts:

Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
A foundational guideline that outlines diagnostic criteria, clinical staging of obesity, and evidence-based treatment algorithms including lifestyle, pharmacological, and surgical approaches.
The Art and Science of Weight Loss Management: An Evidence-Based Clinical Guide
By Vassiliki Benetou et al. – Springer
A comprehensive text bridging obesity science and clinical practice. Covers dietary patterns, pharmacotherapy, physical activity, and behavior change with practical application.
Obesity: Evaluation and Treatment Essentials, 2nd Edition
By Michael Garren and Prudence M. Ferris – CRC Press
Focuses on clinical tools for assessment, diagnosis, and stepwise treatment planning in obesity management, with case-based examples and intervention frameworks.

Supplemental Resources:

Handbook of Obesity: Clinical Applications, 4th Edition
Edited by George A. Bray and Claude Bouchard – CRC Press
Offers a detailed overview of obesity’s pathophysiology, complications, and therapeutic approaches, making it a useful reference for advanced practitioners.
SCOPE Learning Path Modules
World Obesity Federation
A globally recognized structured curriculum covering all domains of obesity care, used in clinical certification and continuing education.
Nutrition, Obesity, and Exercise
By Lori A. Smolin, Mary B. Grosvenor – Jones & Bartlett Learning
Provides insight into the role of exercise, nutrient metabolism, and the physiology of weight regulation, useful for understanding integrative obesity treatment.