To examine how obesity-related content is incorporated within Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) schools and colleges, determine the level of alignment between curricula and established obesity competencies, and identify potential areas for growth in obesity management education. A nationwide, web-based questionnaire was distributed to leaders of PharmD programs in the United States. Participants provided information regarding obesity-focused instruction within their pharmacy curricula. Responses were summarized collectively using descriptive statistical analyses. Completed surveys were received from 75 out of 150 PharmD programs, representing a 50% response rate. Roughly one-third of respondents (32%) believed that their graduating students were very well prepared to counsel patients on obesity pharmacotherapy, including anti-obesity medications. Less than half (45%) indicated that pharmacologic management of obesity was addressed to a great extent in their programs. Only 19% of respondents reported being personally very familiar with anti-obesity medications, while 21% believed their students had a comparable level of familiarity. No programs reported extensive coverage of weight stigma or discrimination. Most respondents considered obesity education to be fairly or very important (88%) and appropriate (96%) for inclusion in PharmD curricula; however, 72% reported that expanding obesity-related instruction was a low or nonexistent priority. Insufficient curricular space was identified as the primary challenge, with 60% citing it as a major barrier. Although pharmacists serve as medication experts and are essential contributors to healthcare teams, obesity management and pharmacotherapy receive limited emphasis within pharmacy education. As a result, many pharmacists may lack adequate preparation to counsel patients regarding obesity medications. Adoption of established obesity competency frameworks and available educational resources may facilitate the expansion of obesity-related training in pharmacy programs.
