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.
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.
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
Governing Councils & Boards
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.