Nutrition for Health and Sustainability from edX

Context

While health is one of several factors influencing diets, it is a powerful one, especially in certain life situations such as illness and the birth of a child.

Doctors enjoy special authority when speaking on matters of health and could play a key role in informing and persuading people to change their eating habits – during consultations but also through other channels. The global obesity epidemic, the rise of personalized medicine and increased understanding of the microbiome are also likely to converge into a situation where doctors can prescribe food as medicine, giving them influence over the decision, implementation, and confirmation stages as well.

Currently, a key obstacle to medical professionals playing a stronger role in food systems transformation is their relative lack of training in nutrition, let alone sustainability. On the other hand, linking personal health to the health of the planet will for some people be an increased motivator to rethink diets. If medical doctors had better knowledge of the link between food, health, nutrition, and sustainability, they could play an active role in transforming our food system.

Solution

To overcome this gap in knowledge and to reinforce behaviour change towards healthier and sustainable diets, EIT Food has developed a short online course on nutrition targeting medical students. In addition, professionals in the medical sector may find this course useful for providing an up-to-date analysis of topical nutrition debates.

The course title is “ Nutrition for Health and Sustainability ”. It is composed of 12 hours of learning broken down in 3 modules.

On this course, students will look at what makes up a healthy diet and see what types of foods play a crucial part in preventing diseases. Learners will have the opportunity to build an understanding of the relationship between food and disease and get accustomed to nutrition counselling techniques. They’ll also reflect on the possible biological, social, and psychological causes of unhealthy eating patterns, and interpret the importance of evidence-based nutrition both for human and planet health.

Ambition

Our mission is to empower the future and current generation of medical doctor. We’ll equip them with fundamentals nutrition knowledge and nutrition counselling skills so that they could become the agents of change our society need.

The goal to establish nutrition as a key part of healthcare.

High level contributors

This course has been designed with and for medical students (undergrad or higher). It has been produced by educators from the University of Reading, the University of Torino, the University of Hohenheim, the University of Groningen, IMDEA Food Institute and the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), in collaboration with experts from the Harvard Medical School and the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA).

What's inside

Learning objectives

Possible causes (biological, social, psychological) of unhealthy eating patterns
Current health guidelines and application to different population groups
Which types of foods are essential for health and wellbeing
Role of food in treating/preventing disease

Causes of unsustainable food production and consumption patterns
Effects of food on the body, society and the planet
Impact of food on healthcare practices
Relationship between food, nutrition, diets and human health with sustainability

Possible causes (biological, social, psychological) of unhealthy eating patterns
Current health guidelines and application to different population groups
Which types of foods are essential for health and wellbeing
Role of food in treating/preventing disease
Causes of unsustainable food production and consumption patterns
Effects of food on the body, society and the planet
Impact of food on healthcare practices
Relationship between food, nutrition, diets and human health with sustainability

Syllabus

This course focuses on:

The relationship between health, nutrition, and sustainability

Potential causes of unhealthy eating patterns

The importance of a sustainable diet

Understanding the diagnosis, management, and treatment of non-communicable diseases

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops advanced nutrition knowledge and skills, which are core skills for healthcare professionals

Taught by a team of experienced professionals from respected institutions, such as the University of Reading, the University of Torino, and the Harvard Medical School

Examines the relationship between health, nutrition, and sustainability, which are highly relevant topics in modern healthcare practices

Provides a comprehensive understanding of the diagnosis, management, and treatment of non-communicable diseases

Suitable for medical students (undergrad or higher) and professionals in the medical sector who seek to enhance their knowledge and skills in nutrition

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Nutrition for Health and Sustainability with these activities:

Volunteer as a Nutrition Mentor

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Mentoring others in nutrition will refine your knowledge and skills while making a positive impact on the community's health.

Browse courses on Mentoring

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Contact local organizations to find volunteering opportunities
Prepare materials and resources for nutrition education sessions
Facilitate discussions and provide guidance on healthy eating habits

Review Basic Physiology and Biochemistry of Nutrition

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Reviewing the basic physiology and biochemistry of nutrition will strengthen your foundational understanding of biological processes related to nutrition.

Browse courses on Physiology

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Revisit textbooks or online resources on basic physiology and biochemistry
Focus on topics such as digestion, absorption, and metabolism of nutrients
Identify key biochemical pathways and their role in nutrient utilization

Explore the Mediterranean Diet

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Following tutorials on the Mediterranean Diet will broaden your knowledge of specific healthy eating patterns and their potential health benefits.

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Watch videos and read articles about the Mediterranean Diet
Analyze the key principles and food groups of the diet
Identify the health benefits associated with the Mediterranean Diet

Four other activities

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Review Dietary Guidelines for Americans

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Reviewing the Dietary Guidelines for Americans will enhance your understanding of current health guidelines and their application to different population groups.

View Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020 on Amazon

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Read the Executive Summary
Review the Key Recommendations
Identify key dietary guidelines for specific population groups

Discuss the Role of Food in Disease Prevention

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Participating in peer discussions will foster your critical thinking and enhance your understanding of the link between nutrition and disease prevention.

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Read articles and research on the role of food in disease prevention
Come prepared to share your insights and engage in discussions
Collaborate with peers to explore different perspectives

Develop a Nutrition Education Plan

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Creating a comprehensive nutrition education plan will solidify your understanding of nutrition counseling techniques and their practical application.

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Define learning objectives
Identify target audience and specific needs
Develop educational materials and activities
Evaluate effectiveness of the plan

Develop a Poster on Sustainable Food Systems

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Creating a poster on sustainable food systems will deepen your understanding of the environmental impact of food production and consumption patterns.

Browse courses on Sustainable Food Systems

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Research the principles of sustainable food systems
Analyze the challenges and opportunities
Design and develop a visually appealing and informative poster
Present your poster to the class and discuss key findings

Career center

Learners who complete Nutrition for Health and Sustainability will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Environmental Health Scientist

Environmental health scientists are responsible for protecting human health from environmental hazards. They work with governments, organizations, and communities to identify and reduce environmental risks. This course can help environmental health scientists gain a better understanding of the relationship between nutrition and health, which can help them make more informed decisions about environmental health policy and management. For example, environmental health scientists can use their knowledge of nutrition to help develop policies that promote healthy eating and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Health Scientist

Public Health Nutritionist

Public health nutritionists are responsible for improving the health of populations by promoting healthy eating and nutrition. They work with communities, organizations, and governments to develop and implement nutrition programs and policies. This course can help public health nutritionists gain a better understanding of the relationship between nutrition and sustainability, which can help them make more informed decisions about nutrition programs and policies. For example, public health nutritionists can use their knowledge of sustainability to help develop programs that promote healthy eating and reduce the environmental impact of food production.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Nutritionist

Sustainability Analyst

Sustainability analysts are responsible for assessing the sustainability of organizations, products, and services. They work with organizations to help them reduce their environmental impact and improve their social and economic performance. This course can help sustainability analysts gain a better understanding of the relationship between nutrition and sustainability, which can help them make more informed decisions about sustainability assessments. For example, sustainability analysts can use their knowledge of nutrition to help organizations develop products and services that are healthy for both people and the planet.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Analyst

Food Scientist

Food scientists are responsible for developing, evaluating, and improving food products. They work with food companies to ensure that food products are safe, nutritious, and meet consumer needs. This course can help food scientists gain a better understanding of the relationship between nutrition and sustainability, which can help them make more informed decisions about food product development. For example, food scientists can use their knowledge of sustainability to help develop food products that are healthy for both people and the planet.

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Nutritionist

Nutritionists are food and nutrition experts who provide nutrition information and guidance to individuals and groups. They work with people to help them improve their diets and make healthier lifestyle choices. This course can help nutritionists gain a better understanding of the relationship between nutrition and sustainability, which can help them make more informed recommendations to their clients. For example, nutritionists can use their knowledge of sustainability to help clients make choices that are healthy for both their bodies and the environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nutritionist

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists are responsible for studying the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events (including disease), and for applying this knowledge to the control of diseases and other health problems. This course can help epidemiologists gain a better understanding of the relationship between nutrition and health, which can help them make more informed decisions about disease prevention and control programs. For example, epidemiologists can use their knowledge of nutrition to help develop policies and programs that promote healthy eating and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Environmental Scientist

Environmental scientists are responsible for studying the environment and its interactions with humans. They work to identify and solve environmental problems, such as pollution, climate change, and loss of biodiversity. This course can help environmental scientists gain a better understanding of the relationship between nutrition and sustainability, which can help them make more informed decisions about environmental policy and management. For example, environmental scientists can use their knowledge of nutrition to help develop policies that promote healthy eating and reduce the environmental impact of food production.

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Registered Dietitian

Registered dietitians are food and nutrition experts who help people make healthy eating choices. They work with individuals, groups, and communities to provide nutrition education, counseling, and support. This course can help registered dietitians gain a better understanding of the relationship between nutrition and sustainability, which can help them make more informed recommendations to their clients. For example, registered dietitians can use their knowledge of sustainability to help clients make choices that are healthy for both their bodies and the environment.

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Health Policy Analyst

Health policy analysts are responsible for developing and analyzing health policies. They work with governments, organizations, and advocacy groups to develop policies that improve the health of populations. This course can help health policy analysts gain a better understanding of the relationship between nutrition and health, which can help them make more informed decisions about health policies. For example, health policy analysts can use their knowledge of nutrition to help develop policies that promote healthy eating and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Policy Analyst

Sustainability Manager

Sustainability managers are responsible for developing and implementing sustainability programs for organizations. They work with organizations to reduce their environmental impact and improve their social and economic performance. This course can help sustainability managers gain a better understanding of the relationship between nutrition and sustainability, which can help them make more informed decisions about sustainability programs. For example, sustainability managers can use their knowledge of nutrition to help organizations make choices that are healthy for both people and the planet.

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Dietetic Technician

Dietetic technicians are responsible for providing nutrition services under the supervision of a registered dietitian. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. This course can help dietetic technicians gain a better understanding of the relationship between nutrition and health, which can help them provide more effective nutrition care to patients and clients. For example, dietetic technicians can use their knowledge of nutrition to help patients and clients make healthier food choices and manage their chronic diseases.

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Doctor

Doctors are responsible for diagnosing and treating illnesses and diseases. They provide medical care to patients, often prescribing medications and recommending treatments. This course can help doctors gain a better understanding of the relationship between nutrition and health, which can help them make more informed decisions about patient care. For example, doctors can use their knowledge of nutrition to help patients manage chronic diseases such as diabetes or heart disease. Additionally, doctors can use their knowledge of nutrition to help patients make healthier lifestyle choices, which can help prevent the development of chronic diseases.

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Health Educator

Health educators are responsible for promoting health and preventing disease in communities. They work with individuals, groups, and communities to provide health education and information. This course can help health educators gain a better understanding of the relationship between nutrition and health, which can help them make more informed decisions about health promotion programs. For example, health educators can use their knowledge of nutrition to help people make healthier lifestyle choices, which can help prevent the development of chronic diseases.

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Food Service Manager

Food service managers are responsible for planning, organizing, and directing food service operations. They work in a variety of settings, including restaurants, hospitals, and schools. This course can help food service managers gain a better understanding of the relationship between nutrition and health, which can help them make more informed decisions about food service operations. For example, food service managers can use their knowledge of nutrition to help develop menus that are healthy and appealing to customers.

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Professor

Professors are responsible for teaching and conducting research in higher education institutions. They work with students to help them learn and develop critical thinking skills. This course may be useful for professors who are teaching courses in nutrition, health, or sustainability. It can help professors gain a better understanding of the relationship between nutrition and health, which can help them provide more effective instruction to their students.

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