Controversial Author to Speak About the Dangers of Sugar in the Diet at the American Society of Bariatric Physician's Regional Conference

DENVER, March 31 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Society of Bariatric Physicians (ASBP) and the American Board of Bariatric Medicine (ABBM) are hosting their Western Regional Obesity Conference in mid-April in Seattle, Wash., which will feature contentious author and scientist Gary Taubes. Taubes will present "The Case Against Sugar" at 7:45 a.m. on Friday, April 16, 2010, at the Hilton Seattle Conference Center.

The worst most people ever say about sugar and high fructose corn syrup is that they are empty calories and only contribute to weight gain. However, in "The Case Against Sugar," Taubes will discuss how it is possible that a diet high in certain sugars and refined carbohydrates is the fundamental cause of metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes, and their associated chronic diseases.

Other physicians and obesity experts will speak on topics ranging from preventing and treating childhood obesity and the use of pharmacology in treating obesity, to pre- and post-operative care for bariatric surgery patients and controversial weight-loss practices. The conference will also offer a review course for medical professionals wanting to prepare to take the exam to become a certified bariatrician.

The ASBP and ABBM are both organizations focused on the medical treatment of obesity. Their Western Regional Obesity Conference brings together bariatricians, family physicians, pediatricians, internal medicine doctors and other medical professionals who are on the front lines in the fight against obesity. The conference will present practical and clinical information on the practice of bariatric medicine, including multi-disciplinary techniques and specialized intervention guidelines.

To see a full conference schedule, visit www.asbp.org and click on "Western Regional Obesity Course – View the Preliminary Program" link.

Media Note: If you're a member of the media and interested in attending the conference and/or interviewing a featured speaker, please contact Jennifer Miller at 303-638-9626 or [email protected].

About the ASBP and ABBM

Founded in 1950, the ASBP is the oldest medical association focused on the education and training of medical professionals treating and managing obese patients and associated diseases. The ASBP is a collaborative organization that provides its members practical information and business tools to implement a successful medical bariatric practice. For more information about the ASBP, visit www.asbp.org.

The ABBM is the testing body for physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing bariatric medicine, the non-surgical medical management of overweight and obese patients. It is the only board that administers a medical exam to certify and distinguish doctors, nurse practitioners and physicians assistants who practice bariatric medicine. The ABBM will administer its next exam Sept. 18 – Oct. 2, 2010, at testing centers throughout the U.S. For more information or to register to take the exam, visit www.abbmcertification.org.

SOURCE The American Society of Bariatric Physicians