Dr. Tiffany Watson, an assistant professor in the CCHS Department of Family, Internal, and Rural Medicine and a family medicine physician at University Medical Center in Tuscaloosa, recently earned her certification in obesity medicine, further expanding specialized care services available to patients across West Alabama.
The certification, awarded through the American Board of Obesity Medicine, recognizes physicians who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and competency in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of obesity and related health conditions. To qualify, Watson completed 60 hours of continuing medical education focused on obesity medicine, including coursework through Columbia University in New York, followed by a comprehensive board examination.
The credential reflects specialized expertise in treating obesity as a chronic disease and underscores UMC’s commitment to addressing one of Alabama’s most significant public health challenges.
According to 2024 data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Alabama’s adult obesity rate is 38.9%. Watson said the condition is closely linked to chronic illnesses, including Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and certain cancers, making comprehensive treatment essential to improving long-term patient outcomes.
“Obesity is a major public health concern that affects nearly every aspect of health,” Watson said. “The goal is to lower the risk of chronic disease and improve overall wellness through evidence-based treatment.”
Watson provides care for patients using FDA-approved weight-loss medications as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that also includes nutrition counseling, physical activity and lifestyle modifications.
Watson shared that her own experience with obesity motivated her to pursue additional training and deepen her understanding of the condition, with the goal of helping patients manage their health more effectively and compassionately.
The American Board of Obesity Medicine serves the public and the medical field by maintaining standards for physician assessment and credentialing. Certification as an ABOM diplomate signifies advanced competency in obesity care and specialized knowledge in the practice of obesity medicine.