Dr. Wadden’s principal research is on the treatment of obesity by methods that have included behavior modification, very-low-calorie diets, exercise, medication, and surgery.  He has also investigated the metabolic and psychosocial consequences of obesity and weight loss. He has published over 240 scientific papers and book chapters, and co-edited five books, the most recent of which is Obesity: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals.   His research has been supported for nearly 25 years by grants from the National Institutes of Health.

Dr. Wadden is past president of NAASO – The Obesity Society (2005-2006) and currently serves as an Associate Editor of Obesity, the journal published by the society. He has served on numerous government advisory panels including the NIH’s National Task Force on the Prevention and Treatment of Obesity, the Federal Trade Commission’s Partnership for Healthy Weight Management, and the Department of Veteran Affairs’ MOVE Program. He also is chairperson of the Lifestyle Intervention subcommittee of the Look AHEAD study. This 12-year, NIH-sponsored trial is examining the health consequences of intentional weight loss in obese individuals with type 2 diabetes.