20-Year ASMBS veteran Kristie Kaufman named Treo Foundation executive director

NEWBERRY, FL – Sept. 19, 2024 – The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) is strengthening its partnership with TREO Foundation, the independent fundraising and grantmaking arm of the ASMBS, to better support the funding of groundbreaking obesity research and education and expand access to metabolic and bariatric surgery, the two organizations announced today.

ASMBS Executive Vice President Kristie Kaufman who has been with ASMBS for more than 20 years, will now also serve as the executive director of TREO Foundation. Saniea Majid, MD, is TREO’s president and ASMBS CEO Diane M. Enos, EdD, MPH, RDN, sits on its board of directors, which is made up of ASMBS members, including former society presidents and two members of industry.

“While the obesity rate has reached an all-time high in the U.S. utilization of metabolic and bariatric surgery, the most effective treatment for the disease, remains stubbornly low. We’re working to change that and put the ASMBS and its members at the forefront of this change,” said Kaufman. “The stronger alliance and seamless connection between the two organizations will increase our impact and ultimately help more patients.”

The ASMBS reports that in 2022 nearly 280,000 metabolic and bariatric procedures were performed in the U.S., which represents only about 1% of those who meet eligibility requirements based on BMI. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), obesity affects 42.4% of Americans.

“Monies raised through TREO enable us to award grants for important research that would otherwise go unfunded and support initiatives that break down economic, societal, practice and policy barriers that unnecessarily deny or restrict access or consideration of metabolic and bariatric surgery or the evidence-based treatment of obesity,” said Ann M. Rogers, MD, ASMBS President.

For 25 years, TREO, formerly the ASMBS Foundation, has helped fuel research, awareness, advocacy and education thanks to donations and support from ASMBS members, and fundraising efforts including the Walk from Obesity and the LEAD Awards & Gala. More than $2 million has been awarded in grants and other funding.

“We encourage all ASMBS members to continue to support the TREO Foundation. It will take all our energy and engagement to ensure that we continue to lead the way in improving the health and quality of life for individuals affected by obesity,” said Dr. Majid.

About Weight-Loss Surgery/Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
Metabolic, bariatric, or weight-loss surgery such as gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, has been shown to be the most effective and long-lasting treatment for severe obesity. The operations improve or resolve diseases including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure and leads to significant and durable weight loss. Its safety profile is comparable to some of the safest and most commonly performed surgeries in the U.S. including gallbladder surgery, appendectomy and knee replacement.

About TREO Foundation

The mission of TREO Foundation is to raise funds for conducting research and education, increasing public and scientific awareness and understanding, and improving access to quality care and treatment of obesity and severe obesity. The TREO Foundation shares the vision of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) to improve public health and well-being by lessening the burden of the disease of obesity and related diseases throughout the world. For more information, visit www.treofoundation.org.

About ASMBS

The ASMBS is the largest organization for bariatric surgeons in the United States. It is a non-profit that works to advance the art and science of bariatric surgery and is committed to educating medical professionals and the lay public about bariatric surgery as an option for the treatment of severe obesity, as well as the associated risks and benefits. It encourages its members to investigate and discover new advances in bariatric surgery, while maintaining a steady exchange of experiences and ideas that may lead to improved surgical outcomes for patients with severe obesity. For more information, visit www.asmbs.org.