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About Us

In 2003 Bryan G. Woodward conceived and directed the ASMBS Foundation's annual nationwide walk-a-thon called Walk From Obesity. Today, there are more than 70 Walk sites throughout the U.S. and the Walk continues to bring national attention to this disease.

The success of this event has sustained the ability of the ASMBS Foundation to pursue its mission and goals. In 2007, the Foundation welcomed the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) as our partner in the Walk from Obesity and a portion of funds raised by the Walk are shared with the OAC to partially support their advocacy and educational efforts.

The ASMBS Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization developed to raise funds for conducting research and education, increasing public and scientific awareness and understanding, and improving access to quality care and treatment of obesity and morbid obesity.

The Foundation shares the vision of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery  (ASMBS) to improve the public health and well-being by lessening the burden of the disease of obesity and related diseases throughout the world.

For more information on the ASMBS Foundation, please click here.

The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) was created to give a voice to those affected by obesity. A non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, the OAC is dedicated to providing education and advocating on behalf of individuals affected by obesity. The OAC is made up of volunteers and a support staff led by OAC President and CEO Joe Nadglowski at the national headquarters located in Tampa, Fla.

The OAC engages in a variety of educational and supportive programs designed to:

  • Educate individuals affected by obesity and the general public on
    obesity and its effects on the healthcare community.
  • Help individuals gain access to medical treatment for obesity.
  • Work to ensure that those obesity treatments are safe and effective.
  • Strive to eliminate the negative stigma and bias associated with obesity.
  • Elevate and empower individuals affected to take action that makes a
    difference in their lives and the lives of others.

For more information on the OAC, please click here.