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Structure & Governance

How ISO Is Governed

The International Society of Obesity operates under a transparent, inclusive governance structure designed to reflect the diversity of the global obesity medicine community while maintaining scientific rigour and institutional integrity.

Governance Overview

Transparent, Democratic, and Science-Led

ISO is incorporated as a nonprofit entity in Montana, USA. Its governance is modelled on best practices from leading international scientific societies, adapted to reflect the global, multi-disciplinary nature of obesity medicine.

Governance authority rests with the General Assembly of members, which elects the Executive Board. Day-to-day operations are managed by the Secretariat, led by the Secretary General. Scientific and clinical strategy is guided by the Scientific Advisory Council, composed of internationally recognised experts across all disciplines relevant to obesity.

All governance documents, including ISO's Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and Conflict of Interest Policy, are publicly available to all members and accessible upon request by any stakeholder.

ISO Governance Structure

General Assembly

All ISO Members

Executive Board

President, Secretary General, Treasurer & elected members

Scientific Advisory Council

Clinical & research experts

Secretariat

Day-to-day operations

Education Committee

Research Committee

Policy Committee

ISO Bodies

Governing Councils & Boards

Executive Board

Highest Authority

The Executive Board is the principal governing body of ISO between General Assembly sessions. It is responsible for strategic direction, financial oversight, and ensuring that ISO fulfils its mission and statutory obligations.

The Board comprises the President, President-Elect, Immediate Past President, Secretary General, Treasurer, and up to six elected Members-at-Large representing ISO's major geographic regions.

Board members serve terms of two years, renewable once, and are elected by the General Assembly. The President is elected from among the Board members.

Key Responsibilities

—Strategic planning & oversight
—Financial governance
—Appointment of Secretariat leadership
—Ratification of position statements
—Partnership approvals

Scientific Advisory Council (SAC)

Scientific Authority

The Scientific Advisory Council is ISO's primary scientific body, responsible for ensuring the rigour, relevance, and clinical applicability of all ISO scientific outputs — including clinical guidelines, position statements, educational content, and research priorities.

SAC members are internationally recognised experts in obesity medicine, endocrinology, bariatric surgery, nutrition science, psychology, public health, and related fields. The SAC operates through thematic working groups aligned with ISO's scientific priorities.

Working Groups

—Obesity Pharmacotherapy
—Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery
—Paediatric Obesity
—Nutrition & Lifestyle Medicine
—Obesity in Women
—Weight Stigma & Psychosocial Care
—Obesity in LMICs

International Board

Global Representation

The International Board ensures that ISO's work reflects the full diversity of global perspectives on obesity. It comprises one representative from each of ISO's national affiliate societies and regional networks, providing a direct channel for national voices to shape ISO's global agenda.

The International Board meets annually at the ISO World Congress and advises the Executive Board on regional priorities, emerging issues, and opportunities for collaboration with national health systems and governments.

Regional Representation

—South & Southeast Asia
—Middle East & North Africa
—Sub-Saharan Africa
—Europe
—North America
—Latin America & Caribbean

Population Health & Policy Council

Policy & Advocacy

The Population Health and Policy Council bridges the gap between clinical science and public health policy. It works with governments, health ministries, and international bodies to translate ISO's scientific positions into actionable national and global obesity policies.

This Council coordinates ISO's formal engagement with bodies including the World Health Organization, the World Obesity Federation, and national public health agencies, and leads ISO's advocacy on access to obesity medicines, anti-stigma legislation, and prevention frameworks.

Focus Areas

—National obesity action plans
—GLP-1 access & affordability
—Weight stigma legislation
—Prevention & early intervention
—WHO engagement

Standing Committees

Operational Committees

Education Committee

Oversees all ISO educational programs — including eLearning, webinars, CME accreditation, and the annual Congress scientific program. Ensures content is evidence-based, clinically relevant, and accessible globally.

Research & Publications Committee

Manages ISO's publications, coordinates the grants program, and oversees abstract review and poster/oral presentation selection for ISO congresses and events.

Membership & Communications Committee

Drives member recruitment and retention, manages ISO's digital communications, newsletter, and social media, and develops the annual ISO Member Survey.

Finance & Audit Committee

Oversees ISO's financial management, budgeting, and independent audit processes. Reports directly to the Executive Board and ensures compliance with all statutory financial obligations.

Industry Relations Committee

Manages ISO's relationships with industry partners — including pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers — ensuring that all partnerships comply with ISO's conflict of interest policy and do not compromise scientific independence.

Early Career Committee

Dedicated to supporting the next generation of obesity medicine professionals through mentorship programs, travel grants, dedicated congress sessions, and leadership pathways within ISO's governance structure.

How We Operate

Governance Principles

Independence

ISO's scientific positions are determined solely by evidence. No commercial interest can influence ISO's clinical guidelines or position statements.

Transparency

All governance documents, financial summaries, and conflict of interest disclosures are made available to members and published annually.

Inclusivity

ISO actively ensures that its governance reflects geographic, gender, career-stage, and disciplinary diversity across all bodies and committees.

Accountability

Every ISO body reports to the General Assembly. Members have the right to raise questions, submit resolutions, and vote on major decisions affecting ISO.