The ASMBS Foundation was established through the efforts of the ASBS Executive Council in 1997 spearheaded by Dr. Ross Fox. The ASMBS Executive Council and Dr. Fox had the vision to recognize the need to provide fundraising through charitable gifts, public and private donations to support obesity awareness, understanding and research to advance bariatric surgery and care of the morbidly obese population. As the Foundations first President, Dr. Fox obtained a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation designation.

The ASMBS Foundation is a non profit organization developed to raise professional and public awareness about morbid obesity and bariatric surgery. The Foundation engages in education and public health initiatives regarding obesity. The Foundation also funds physician and allied health research.

To learn more about the Foundation and its activities, download our brochure by clicking here (Adobe Reader Required).

Walk from Obesity

In 2003 Bryan Woodward, MPH conceived and directed the foundation's annual nationwide walk-a-thon called Walk From Obesity. Today, there are more than 75 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 2006, the Foundation welcomed the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) as our partner in the "Walk from Obesity" and funds raised from the Walk support the OAC's advocacy and educational efforts.

To learn more about the Walk from Obesity, download the Walk brochure by clicking here (Adobe Reader Required).