Harvard The Blackburn Course in Obesity Medicine 2026 (Videos + PDFs)
Comprehensive Evidence-Based Strategies for Obesity Prevention, Medical Management, Bariatric Care, and Precision Medicine
Advance your expertise in obesity medicine with Harvard The Blackburn Course in Obesity Medicine 2026, one of the world’s premier continuing medical education (CME) programs dedicated to the prevention, evaluation, and treatment of obesity across pediatric, adolescent, and adult populations. Developed by internationally recognized faculty from Harvard Medical School and leading obesity treatment centers, this comprehensive program delivers the latest evidence-based strategies for lifestyle intervention, pharmacotherapy, bariatric surgery, precision medicine, and multidisciplinary obesity care.
Held as an interactive online course utilizing live-streamed lectures, electronic Q&A sessions, and remote learning technologies, the Blackburn Course provides clinicians with practical tools to improve patient outcomes while addressing the complex biological, psychological, and social factors contributing to obesity. Participants will gain comprehensive knowledge of modern obesity management, including the rapidly evolving role of GLP-1 receptor agonists, combination pharmacotherapy, endoscopic therapies, bariatric surgery, pediatric obesity treatment, behavioral counseling, and emerging therapies for genetic obesity.
Whether preparing for the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) certification examination or seeking to enhance daily clinical practice, this course offers an exceptional multidisciplinary learning experience that bridges cutting-edge research with real-world patient care.
Product Details
- Course: Harvard The Blackburn Course in Obesity Medicine 2026
- Provider: Harvard Medical School
- Course Format: Videos + PDFs
- Learning Format: Online CME
- Language: English
- Educational Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Course Overview
Obesity has become one of the most significant global health challenges, contributing to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, fatty liver disease, cancer, sleep disorders, infertility, musculoskeletal disease, and numerous metabolic complications. Modern obesity management now extends far beyond calorie restriction, incorporating precision medicine, behavioral science, pharmacologic innovation, metabolic surgery, genetics, and multidisciplinary patient care.
Harvard The Blackburn Course in Obesity Medicine 2026 delivers a comprehensive review of the latest advances in obesity prevention and treatment. Participants learn how to evaluate complex patients, develop individualized treatment plans, integrate lifestyle modification with modern anti-obesity medications, determine appropriate candidates for bariatric surgery, and effectively manage obesity throughout the lifespan.
The curriculum also explores obesity-related bias, healthcare disparities, reimbursement strategies, virtual obesity care, communication skills, and practice development, creating a true 360-degree educational experience for clinicians working in obesity medicine.
Course Highlights
- Comprehensive obesity medicine update
- Latest GLP-1 receptor agonist therapies
- Precision medicine for obesity
- Lifestyle and behavioral interventions
- Pediatric and adolescent obesity
- Bariatric surgery evaluation
- Endoscopic obesity therapies
- Obesity pharmacotherapy
- Genetic obesity disorders
- Nutrition and dietary management
- Physical activity prescription
- Behavioral counseling techniques
- Obesity Medicine Board Review
- Practice management strategies
- Obesity bias and stigma
- Virtual obesity care
- Multidisciplinary obesity treatment
- Evidence-based clinical guidelines
What You’ll Learn
After completing this course, participants will be able to:
- Perform comprehensive clinical evaluation of patients with obesity.
- Develop individualized obesity treatment plans using evidence-based strategies.
- Apply current lifestyle, nutritional, exercise, and behavioral interventions.
- Utilize modern anti-obesity medications, including GLP-1-based therapies.
- Identify patients who may benefit from bariatric or metabolic surgery.
- Evaluate indications for endoscopic obesity treatment options.
- Manage obesity-related metabolic complications using multidisciplinary approaches.
- Counsel patients using effective motivational interviewing and behavioral modification techniques.
- Recognize genetic and syndromic obesity disorders requiring specialized evaluation.
- Build successful obesity medicine programs in academic, hospital, and private practice settings.
Comprehensive Topics Covered
Modern Obesity Medicine
Review current concepts in obesity pathophysiology, metabolic dysfunction, body weight regulation, and evidence-based approaches to long-term obesity management.
GLP-1 and Emerging Pharmacotherapy
Explore the newest generation of GLP-1 receptor agonists, combination therapies, dual agonists, medication selection, monitoring strategies, adverse effect management, and future anti-obesity drug development.
Lifestyle Medicine
Develop comprehensive nutritional, behavioral, exercise, and lifestyle intervention strategies that support sustainable weight loss and long-term metabolic health.
Precision Medicine
Learn how individualized treatment approaches incorporating genetics, metabolic phenotyping, and personalized nutrition improve obesity management and patient outcomes.
Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery
Understand patient selection, surgical indications, operative options, postoperative care, nutritional monitoring, complication management, and long-term follow-up after bariatric procedures.
Pediatric & Adolescent Obesity
Review age-specific approaches to childhood and adolescent obesity, including behavioral therapy, pharmacologic treatment, family-centered care, and surgical interventions for severe obesity.
Genetic Obesity
Gain practical knowledge of inherited obesity syndromes, genetic testing, novel therapies, and individualized management strategies for rare obesity disorders.
Behavioral Counseling
Strengthen communication skills through motivational interviewing, behavioral modification techniques, patient engagement strategies, and long-term adherence planning.
Obesity Practice Management
Discover practical guidance for building successful obesity medicine services, including reimbursement, virtual care, multidisciplinary clinics, quality improvement, and healthcare policy.
ABOM Board Review
Prepare for the American Board of Obesity Medicine certification examination through comprehensive review of obesity pathophysiology, pharmacology, nutrition, surgery, genetics, pediatric obesity, and lifestyle medicine.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this educational activity, participants will be able to:
- Evaluate and manage patients with obesity using evidence-based clinical approaches.
- Implement individualized lifestyle interventions including nutrition, exercise, and behavioral therapy.
- Apply modern pharmacologic treatments for obesity, including GLP-1-based medications.
- Determine appropriate candidates for bariatric surgery and endoscopic interventions.
- Utilize multidisciplinary treatment strategies to improve long-term weight management outcomes.
- Recognize obesity-related complications and optimize comprehensive patient care.
- Improve communication while reducing obesity stigma and healthcare disparities.
- Integrate the latest obesity medicine guidelines into routine clinical practice.
Educational Features
- Harvard Medical School Faculty
- Expert Multidisciplinary Lectures
- Evidence-Based Clinical Updates
- Interactive Panel Discussions
- Case-Based Learning
- Practical Treatment Algorithms
- Obesity Medicine Board Review
- Lifestyle Medicine Education
- Pharmacotherapy Updates
- Bariatric Surgery Review
- Pediatric Obesity Management
- Precision Medicine Strategies
- On-Demand Videos and PDFs
Why This Course Stands Out
Unlike traditional endocrinology or nutrition conferences, Harvard The Blackburn Course in Obesity Medicine 2026 provides an integrated, multidisciplinary approach that addresses every aspect of obesity care—from prevention and behavioral counseling to advanced pharmacotherapy, metabolic surgery, pediatric obesity, and precision medicine. Participants benefit from instruction by internationally recognized experts while gaining practical tools that can immediately improve patient care across diverse clinical settings.
Its combination of evidence-based education, board examination preparation, real-world case discussions, and practice management strategies makes it one of the most comprehensive obesity medicine educational programs available.
Target Audience
This educational activity is ideal for:
- Internal Medicine Physicians
- Primary Care Physicians
- Bariatric Surgeons
- Endocrinologists
- Gastroenterologists
- Pediatricians
- Obesity Medicine Specialists
- Family Medicine Physicians
- Dietitians
- Nutrition Specialists
- Psychiatrists
- Psychologists
- Pharmacists
- Nurse Practitioners
- Physician Assistants
- Fellows and Residents
- Healthcare Professionals involved in obesity management
Why Choose This Course?
Whether you are preparing for ABOM certification, expanding an obesity medicine practice, or seeking the latest advances in pharmacotherapy, bariatric surgery, and lifestyle intervention, Harvard The Blackburn Course in Obesity Medicine 2026 provides a comprehensive, evidence-based educational experience designed to improve clinical decision-making and optimize long-term patient outcomes. Through expert instruction, multidisciplinary collaboration, and practical clinical guidance, this program equips healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully manage obesity across every stage of life.
4. Topics
Sunday, June 7, 2026
Obesity Medicine Board Review
This one-day program helps prepare registrants for the ABOM certification exam.
Board Review Schedule
All times listed in Eastern Time. Live Streaming
Board Review Session 1 |
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Welcome and Introduction Drs. Amandeep Singh and Angela Fitch |
9:00-9:10 am |
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Approach to the Patient with Obesity Dr. Chika Anekwe |
9:10-9:40 am |
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Nutritional Assessment and Therapy Dr. Gregory Curtis |
9:40-10:10 am |
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Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Exercise Dr. Jennifer Mulligan |
10:10-10:40 am |
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Panel Discussion / Q&A Drs. Anekwe, Curtis, Mulligan, and Fitch |
10:40-11:10 am |
| Break | 11:10-11:40 am |
Board Review Session 2 |
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Practicing Obesity Medicine with Professionalism Dr. Amanda Powell |
11:40 am-12:10 pm |
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Pediatrics 1: Patient Assessment Dr. Vibha Singhal |
12:10-12:40 pm |
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Pediatrics 2: Patient Management Dr. Jennifer Rosenblum |
12:40-1:10 pm |
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Lightning Round 1 Dr. Wesley Dutton |
1:10-1:40 pm |
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Panel Discussion / Q&A Drs. Powell, Singhal, Rosenblum, Dutton, and Fitch |
1:40-2:10 pm |
| Break | 2:10-2:30 pm |
Board Review Session 3 |
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Pharmacotherapy Dr. Mehmet Burak |
2:30-3:00 pm |
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Bariatric Endoscopy Dr. Amandeep Singh |
3:00-3:30 pm |
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Bariatric Surgery Dr. Karan Chhabra |
3:30-4:00 pm |
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Panel Discussion / Q&A Drs. Burak, Singh, Chhabra, and Fitch |
4:00-4:30 pm |
| Break | 4:30-4:50 pm |
Board Review Session 4 |
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Behavioral Assessment and Therapy Dr. Mark Gorman |
4:50-5:20 pm |
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Genetic and Syndromic Obesity Dr. Angela Fitch |
5:20-5:50 pm |
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Obesity Comorbidities Dr. Wesley Dutton |
5:50-6:20 pm |
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Lightning Round 2 Dr. Sreevidya Bodepudi |
6:20-6:50 pm |
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Panel Discussion / Q&A Drs. Gorman, Fitch, Dutton, and Bodepudi |
6:50-7:20 pm |
Supplementary Board Review Sessions (Pre-recorded for self-paced study) |
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Pathophysiology of Obesity 1 Dr. Angela Fitch |
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Pathophysiology of Obesity 2 Dr. Paul Copeland |
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Pathophysiology of Obesity 3 Dr. Angela Fitch |
9:00 am -7:20 pm
Monday, June 8, 2026
Introduction
Welcome and Introduction
Course Directors
9:00-9:10 am
2026 Blackburn Lecture: State of Obesity in 2026
Dr. Robert Kushner
9:10-10:10 am
Roundtable Discussion with Keynote Speaker
Drs. Robert Kushner and Steven Heymsfeld
10:10-10:40 am
Break
10:40-11:00 am
Approach to Treatment
Clinical Approach to the Patient with Obesity
Dr. Ethan Lazarus
11:00-11:40 am
Standards of Care for Obesity Treatment
Dr. Kimberly Gudzune
11:40 am-12:20 pm
Body Composition
Dr. Grant Tinsley
12:20-1:00 pm
Obesity and Mental Health: Shared Complexity, Mechanisms and Responsibilities
Dr. Robin Pashby
1:00-1:40 pm
Panel Discussion: Approach to Treatment
Drs. Fitch, Tinsley, Lazarus, and Pashby
1:40-2:20 pm
Break
2:20-2:50 pm
Pharmacotherapy
Obesity Pharmacotherapy
Dr. Leslie Golden
2:50-3:30 pm
Combination Treatment for Obesity Management
Dr. Sreevidya Bodepudi
3:30-4:10 pm
Pharmacodynamics and Medication Dosing in the Patient with Obesity
Dr. Christina Chow
4:10-4:50 pm
A Patient’s Perspective
Dr. Angela Fitch
4:50-5:30 pm
Panel Discussion: Pharmacotherapy
Drs. Golden, Bodepudi, Chow, and Fitch
5:30-6:10 pm
Self-Paced Study
Time for self-paced study of any of the pre-recorded sessions, including the following:
Staging, Assessment and Treatment of Obesity
Dr. Daniel Bessesen
Patient-Centric Treatment of Obesity
Dr. Sean Wharton
Complex Genetic Obesity Syndromes
Dr. Sadaf Forroqi
Patient Case Presentations Highlighting Delivery of Care 1
Dr. Jennifer Mulligan
Patient Case Presentations Highlighting Delivery of Care 2
Dr. Jennifer Mulligan
Patient Case Presentations Highlighting Delivery of Care 3
Dr. Sreevidya Bodepudi
Beyond BMI: Obesity Staging and Guidelines Based on the Treatment of Obesity
Dr. Timothy Garvey
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Introduction Day 2
Course Directors
9:00-9:10 am
Exercise and Dietary Considerations
Key Exercise Recommendations for Weight Loss and Maintenance
Dr. John Jakicic
9:10-9:50 am
The Updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans
Dr. Christopher Gardner
This session not eligible for AAFP credits
9:50-10:30 am
Time-Restricted Eating
Dr. Krista Varady
10:30-11:10 am
Dietary Strategies for Weight Loss
Dr. Chika Anekwe
11:10-11:50 am
Culinary Medicine Programs
Dr. Michelle Hauser
11:50 am-12:30 pm
Panel Discussion: Dietary Considerations
Drs. Jakicic, Gardner, Varady, Anekwe, and Fitch
12:30-1:10 pm
Break
1:10-1:40 pm
Individualization of Care
The New Fundamentals of Obesity Care
Dr. Carolynn Francavilla-Brown
1:40-2:20 pm
Genetics and the Future of Obesity Treatment
Dr. Jesse Richards
2:20-3:00 pm
Lipodistrophy
Dr. Lindsay Fourman
3:00-3:40 pm
Panel Discussion: Individualization of Care
Drs. Francavilla-Brown, Richards, Fourman, and Fitch
3:40-4:20 pm
Break
4:20-4:40 pm
Precision Care
Precision Medical Treatment of Obesity
Dr. Andres Acosta
4:40-5:20 pm
Precision Lifestyle Treatments for Obesity
Dr. Andrew Chan
5:20-6:00 pm
The Future State of Obesity Care
Dr. Deborah Horn
6:00-6:40 pm
Patient Case Presentations Highlighting Precision Delivery of Care
Dr. Florence Porterfield
6:40-7:20 pm
Panel Discussion: Precision Care
Drs. Acosta, Chan, Horn, Porterfield, and Fitch
7:20-8:00 pm
Self-Paced Study
Time for self-paced study of any of the pre-recorded sessions, including the following:
Circadian Influences and Lifestyle Interventions
Dr. Frank Scheer
A Dietitian’s Approach to a Patient with Obesity
Abeer Bader, RD
Tailoring Obesity Care Based on Genetic Differences
Dr. Ruth Loos
Research into Tailoring Obesity Care
Dr. Elizabeth Speliotes
Using Technology to Deliver Personalized Metabolic Care
Dr. Eran Segal
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Introduction Day 3
Course Directors
9:00-9:10 am
Models of Delivering Care
Cooperative Integrated and Virtual Care Models
Dr. Florencia Halperin
9:10-9:50 am
Delivering Effective Obesity Care in Private Practice
Dr. Shirly (Shalu) Ramchandani
9:50-10:30 am
Integrating Primary Care and Obesity Medicine in an Academic Medical Center
Dr. Leigh Perreault
10:30-11:10 am
Optimizing Outcomes: Success of a Pharmacist-Driven GLP-1 Program
Dr. Amanda Powell
11:10-11:50 am
Group Visit Models
Dr. Jacob Mirsky
11:50 am-12:30 pm
Panel Discussion: Models of Delivering Care
Drs. Halperin, Ramchandani, Perreault, Mirsky, Fitch, and Singh
12:30-1:10 pm
Break
1:10-1:40 pm
Pediatrics
Assessment of the Pediatric Patient with Obesity
Dr. Marisa Censani
1:40-2:20 pm
Use of Anti-Obesity Medications in Pediatric Patients
Dr. Vibha Singhal
2:20-3:00 pm
Bariatric Endoscopy and Surgery in the Pediatric Patient
Dr. Cornelia Griggs
3:00-3:40 pm
Panel Discussion: Obesity in the Pediatric Population
Drs. Censani, Singhal, Griggs, and Fitch
3:40-4:20 pm
Break
4:20-4:50 pm
Endoscopic and Surgical Approaches to Treating Obesity
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty, POSE, and TORe
Dr. Barham Abu Dayyeh
4:50-5:30 pm
Gastric Balloons and Duodenal Resurfacing
Dr. Amandeep Singh
5:30-6:10 pm
Update on Bariatric Surgery
Dr. Richard Peterson
6:10-6:50 pm
Nonsurgical Management of the Postbariatric Surgery Patient
Dr. Angela Fitch
6:50-7:30 pm
Panel Discussion: Endoscopic and Surgical Approaches to Treating Obesity
Drs. Abu Dayyeh, Singh, Peterson, and Fitch
7:30-8:10 pm
Self-Paced Study
Time for self-paced study of any of the pre-recorded sessions, including the following:
Providing Virtual Obesity Care
Drs. Katherine Saunders and Leon Igel
Optimizing Obesity Care in Private Practice: Strategies for Success
Dr. Carolynn Francavilla-Brown
Advancing Obesity Care in Academic Medicine: Challenges and Opportunities
Drs. Lauren Oshman and Dina Griauzde
Multi-Disciplinary Weight Center Case Study: Massachusetts General Hospital
Dr. Angela Fitch
Multi-Disciplinary Weight Center Case Study: Geisinger
Dr. Christopher Still
Multi-Disciplinary Weight Center Case Study: University of Colorado
Dr. Adam Gilden
Implementation Science in Cardiometabolic Health: State of the State and Future Strategies
Dr. Alexander (AJ) Blood
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Introduction Day 4
Course Directors
9:00-9:10 am
Disparities and Stigma in Obesity Care
Addressing Healthcare Disparities in Obesity Treatment
Dr. Jamy Ard
9:10-9:50 am
Ensuring Equal Access to Care for All Patients: A North Carolina Story
Dr. Sarah Ro
9:50-10:30 am
Stigma and Bias in Treating Obesity
Joe Nadglowski
10:30-11:10 am
Panel Discussion: Disparities and Stigma
Joe Nadglowski and Drs. Ard, Ro, and Fitch
11:10-11:50 am
Break
11:50 am-12:20 pm
Considerations in the Patient with Obesity
The Unbearable Lightness of Weight and Age
Dr. Beverly Tchang
12:20-1:00 pm
The Intersection of Metabolic Disease and Mental Health
Dr. Christopher Palmer
1:00-1:40 pm
Considerations for the Patient with Obesity Prior to a Procedure (with Patient on GLP-1, Colonoscopy Considerations)
Dr. Rodney Voisine
1:40-2:20 pm
Panel Discussion: Considerations in the Patient with Obesity
Drs. Tchang, Palmer, Voisine, Fitch, and Singh
2:20-3:00 pm
Break
3:00-3:20 pm
Diseases in the Patient with Obesity
Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease
Dr. Harold Edward Bays
3:20-4:00 pm
Sleep Health and Sleep Apnea
Dr. Jeremy McConnell
4:00-4:40 pm
Obesity and Cancer
Dr. Justin Brown
4:40-5:20 pm
MASLD/MASH Updates and Treatment Landscape in 2026
Dr. Nadege Gunn
5:20-6:00 pm
Obesity and Diabetes
Dr. Paul Copeland
6:00-6:40 pm
Panel Discussion: Diseases
Drs. Bays, McConnell, Gunn, Copeland, Fitch, and Singh
6:40-7:20 pm
Self-Paced Study
Time for self-paced study of any of the pre-recorded sessions, including the following:
Caring for All Patients
Dr. Adjoa Anyane-Yeboa
Equity in Obesity Care
Dr. Wesley Dutton
Diagnosis and Staging of MAFLD/MASH
Dr. Kathleen Corey








