Maria Garrido, a faculty member at Ponce Health Sciences University’s School of Behavioral and Neural Sciences in Puerto Rico, has earned a certification in bariatric counseling from the American Association of Bariatric Counselors. Garrido completed the program in July 2026 after two years of preparation, which covers the biopsychosocial approach to obesity treatment and bariatric surgery.
The certification strengthens the university’s expertise in the psychological aspects of obesity treatment, according to Dr. Yaritza López, dean of the School of Behavioral and Neural Sciences. Obesity is a significant public health concern in Puerto Rico, with approximately 70% of the population living with overweight and 40% with obesity, according to 2025 data from the World Obesity Federation.
Garrido plans to incorporate her new knowledge into the education of psychology students and interns at the university, helping them approach patients with greater preparation, empathy, and sensitivity. The certification supports the university’s mission of preparing health professionals to address complex conditions through interdisciplinary training and patient-centered care.