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OBESITY SCIENCE AND WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

OBESITY SCIENCE AND WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

OVERVIEW

The prevalence of obesity is an escalating problem in both adults and children in developed and developing countries alike. In response to the need for knowledge and skills to help tackle this issue, we have developed a suite of online modules designed to equip graduates and professionals working in the front line areas of nutrition, healthcare and public health.

Our strong links with clinicians and managers in the NHS, private and voluntary sectors have informed the module content to ensure it is practical, evidence-based and relevant to the current demands of the workplace.

MODULE DELIVERY

Each module is delivered online through our virtual learning environment CampusMoodle and full support is given by a tutor throughout, either by telephone or via email. Each module can be studied on an individual or stand-alone basis or used to form part of a post-graduate academic award.

BENEFITS TO YOU

• Each module can be studied on a stand alone basis.

• You can enhance your personal development and skills, with the potential to build towards an academic award.

• Online study allows you to combine your studies with work and other life commitments.

• You will be supported and guided throughout your learning by an academic tutor.

• You will benefit from input from experienced staff used to supporting individuals who perhaps have not studied for some time or are new to online learning.

BENEFITS TO EMPLOYERS

• Employees are able to study online with minimal time away from their jobs.

• Modular learning enables staff to build their competencies and maximise their personal and work-based potential.

• Each module has a strong emphasis on practice-based learning enabling students to apply their new knowledge and skills to their workplace environment.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

These modules are suitable for those with an appropriate honours degree or equivalent professional qualification and relevant work experience.

COURSE CONTENT

Weight Management 15 Credits

• Assessment of obesity

• Dietary and exercise interventions

• Cognitive behaviour therapy lifestyle modification

• Cognitive behaviour therapy, lifestyle modifications and holistic approach

• Pharmacological and surgical options

• Management of obesity at primary care level

• Weight loss maintenance.

Childhood Obesity Management 15 Credits

• The biology of growth and maturation

• Definitions and identification of the overweight / obese child

• Systematic review of interventions to treat childhood obesity based on school, family and environment

• Energy balance behaviours in children, and examples of recent research

Obesity and Associated Diseases 15 Credits

• Metabolic changes associated with increased fat deposition and fat distribution

• Health complications: metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, skeletal problems, respiratory complications, liver disease, fertility/hormonal abnormalities infections.

Aetiology of Obesity 15 Credits

• Biochemical and physiological bases of metabolism and consequences of abnormal metabolism

• Principles of energy balance

• Nutrition, physical activity and life stages

• ‘Thrifty and drifty’ gene hypotheses of obesity

• Cultural and behavioural factors

Obesity Epidemiology and Public Health 15 Credits

• Prevalence of obesity in different socio−economical and ethnic groups

• Impact of public health on preventing / reducing obesity in different socio economical and ethnic groups

• Financial impact on health services, strategies to reduce economical cost

• Multidisciplinary approach to prevention of obesity at the government, work−place and school level.

Research Methods and Data Analysis 15 Credits

• Types of research (analytical, descriptive, experimental and quantitative)

• Sampling procedure, reliability and validity

• Develop the research problem: identify a topic area, review the literature, devise specific questions, determine feasible ways to answer the questions

• Ethics

• Data handling and statistical analysis.

contact us

For further information about any of the modules available, please contact:

Dr Giovanna BermanoTel: +44 (0) 1224 262885Email: g.bermano@rgu.ac.uk

or go to www.rgu.ac.uk/obesity

To discuss customised delivery of these modules please contact:

Pamela KirkpatrickAcademic Lead for Enterprise in Health and Social CareTel: +44 (0) 1224 263276Email: p.kirkpatrick@rgu.ac.uk

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