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Understanding Obesity
Dr John Menzies
Dr John Menzies
In this course, we’ll look at the facts and misconceptions around obesity and discuss key physiological and psychological concepts around the brain’s control of appetite and body weight. We’ll consider the biological and environmental pressures that make it easy to gain weight (and hard to lose it!). Most importantly, we'll give you the opportunity to reflect on your own knowledge and assumptions around the subject.
Read more
In this course, we’ll look at the facts and misconceptions around obesity and discuss key physiological and psychological concepts around the brain’s control of appetite and body weight. We’ll consider the biological and environmental pressures that make it easy to gain weight (and hard to lose it!). Most importantly, we'll give you the opportunity to reflect on your own knowledge and assumptions around the subject.
Read more
In this course, we’ll look at the facts and misconceptions around obesity and discuss key physiological and psychological concepts around the brain’s control of appetite and body weight. We’ll consider the biological and environmental pressures that make it easy to gain weight (and hard to lose it!). Most importantly, we'll give you the opportunity to reflect on your own knowledge and assumptions around the subject.
We deliver course materials as a mixture of videos, audio-only MOOCcasts, and a selection of short readings. There are short weekly quizzes, a peer-reviewed exercise, and discussion activities on the forum. These will help you prepare for the final project. In it, you are invited to demonstrate your evidence-informed understanding and express how you'll develop it beyond the course.
The course features Citizen Science projects. We'll collect data from you (anonymously, of course) and use it to drive participant-led discussions of controversial ideas. In this way, we hope to explore ideas around diet and obesity. These projects also give a taste of how scientific evidence is collected and interpreted by scientists, and give some indication how much there still is to discover and understand.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/j7pfii/understanding
What's inside
Syllabus
Week 1: What we know, and how we know it.
This week we'll discuss what we know about diet, appetite and obesity. But, and perhaps more importantly, we'll point out the gaps in our knowledge.
Read more
Syllabus
Week 1: What we know, and how we know it.
This week we'll discuss what we know about diet, appetite and obesity. But, and perhaps more importantly, we'll point out the gaps in our knowledge.
Read more
Physiology and Stress
This week we discuss some aspects of the physiology of obesity and learn how so-called "food addiction", stress and early-life experience can affect our eating choices.
Included is an optional assignment where you can explore barriers to healthy eating. This assignment is not graded but does use the same interface as the Week 4 assessment. As such, you may find it useful to use it as practice for the "real thing".
Psychology and Behaviour
This week we discuss some aspects of the psychology of appetite control and learn how portion sizes and food insecurity might affect our behaviours.
Consolidation and Discussion
This week online material will be posted ad hoc as we consolidate and discuss what we've already learned. This week's main tasks are a quiz on the scientific method and the peer-reviewed assignment. Please note you can attempt the Week 4 quiz only once.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Useful for personal growth and development
Develops understanding of how stress and early-life experience can affect our eating choices
Develops understanding of portion sizes and food insecurity may affect our behaviours
Provides a citizen science component where data is collected from participants and used to drive discussions
Provides a mixture of media, such as videos, audio-only MOOCcasts, and readings
Includes short weekly quizzes, peer-reviewed exercises, and forum discussions
Save this course
Save Understanding Obesity to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Obesity: a complex issue
Learners largely agree that this course provides a good foundation for understanding obesity. Well-made with engaging interviews with experts, the course content is packed with important information. Students appreciate that the course dispels common misconceptions about obesity and provides a well-rounded perspective on the causes and consequences. With its informative and accessible content, this course is largely recommended for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the complex issue of obesity.
Offers practical tips and advice for managing obesity.
"This course is very rich in content and the analysis on obesity is quite deep."
"There are multiple ways to prevent obesity, including diet and exercise, and in case of failure, certain medications can be given that reduce appetite or prevent fat absorption, and also in advanced cases, surgery can be resorted to where the size of the stomach is reduced which leads to early satiety and reduced ability to absorb nutrients ."
Challenges common beliefs and promotes critical thinking about obesity.
"Learning via interviews was an interesting way to hear information. I did learn a good number of perspectives and have a deeper understanding on the topic."
"Some interesting studies are mentioned, dispelling some common beliefs around obesity."
"This course was critical in my comprehension of true nutrition, diet, and obesity. It helped to dispel my misconceptions about food, nutrition, and obesity in general."
Presented in a clear and engaging manner, making the information easy to understand.
"Es un curso muy practico y fácil de seguir ya que no te cargan la mano en cuestión de tareas o vídeos que debes ver y cada uno de los materiales son muy concisos y directos."
"With a simple and interactive language, the course gives an excellent view on the obsession and the problems caused by it."
Provides a wealth of information on obesity, covering a wide range of perspectives from experts.
"it was very useful and I learnt a lot of informations"
"This is a very concise and comprehensive course on managing obesity."
"The course opens the door to a better understanding of obesity, through a simple but evidence-based explanation"
Some learners suggest that the course could benefit from more depth and exploration of complex issues.
"Felt it was too basic and covered the topics very superficially."
"The course material and the videos were good and well organized. the interactiveness of the video could be more engaging."
Activities
Coming soon
We're preparing activities for
Understanding Obesity.
These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.
Career center
Learners who complete Understanding Obesity will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologist
An Epidemiologist researches the causes of disease and other health conditions in populations. This course, Understanding Obesity, provides a foundation in the physiology and psychology of obesity, which are important factors in understanding the causes of obesity and developing strategies to prevent and treat it. The course also covers the social and environmental factors that contribute to obesity, which are important considerations for Epidemiologists who are working to develop public health interventions.
Health Educator
Health Educator
A Health Educator develops and implements educational programs to promote healthy behaviors and prevent disease. This course, Understanding Obesity, provides a foundation in the physiology and psychology of obesity, which are important factors in understanding the causes of obesity and developing strategies to prevent and treat it. The course also covers the social and environmental factors that contribute to obesity, which are important considerations for Health Educators who are working to develop and implement effective obesity prevention and treatment programs.
Public Health Nutritionist
Public Health Nutritionist
A Public Health Nutritionist promotes healthy eating and nutrition at the population level. This course, Understanding Obesity, provides a foundation in the physiology and psychology of obesity, which are important factors in understanding the causes of obesity and developing strategies to prevent and treat it. The course also covers the social and environmental factors that contribute to obesity, which are important considerations for Public Health Nutritionists who are working to develop and implement effective obesity prevention and treatment programs.
Physician Assistant
Physician Assistant
A Physician Assistant provides medical care under the supervision of a physician. This course, Understanding Obesity, provides a foundation in the physiology and psychology of obesity, which are important factors in understanding the causes of obesity and developing strategies to prevent and treat it. The course also covers the social and environmental factors that contribute to obesity, which are important considerations for Physician Assistants who are working to provide comprehensive care to patients with obesity.
Registered Dietitian
Registered Dietitian
A Registered Dietitian provides nutrition counseling and education to individuals and groups. This course, Understanding Obesity, provides a foundation in the physiology and psychology of obesity, which are important factors in understanding the causes of obesity and developing strategies to prevent and treat it. The course also covers the social and environmental factors that contribute to obesity, which are important considerations for Registered Dietitians who are working to provide effective nutrition counseling and education to clients with obesity.
Weight Management Specialist
Weight Management Specialist
A Weight Management Specialist helps people lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. This course, Understanding Obesity, provides a foundation in the physiology and psychology of obesity, which are important factors in understanding the causes of obesity and developing strategies to prevent and treat it. The course also covers the social and environmental factors that contribute to obesity, which are important considerations for Weight Management Specialists who are working to help clients lose weight and maintain a healthy weight.
Public Health Advocate
Public Health Advocate
A Public Health Advocate promotes public health policies and programs. This course, Understanding Obesity, provides a foundation in the physiology and psychology of obesity, which are important factors in understanding the causes of obesity and developing strategies to prevent and treat it. The course also covers the social and environmental factors that contribute to obesity, which are important considerations for Public Health Advocates who are working to develop and implement effective obesity prevention and treatment policies and programs.
Obesity Researcher
Obesity Researcher
An Obesity Researcher studies the causes and treatment of obesity. This course, Understanding Obesity, provides a foundation in the physiology and psychology of obesity, which are important factors in understanding the causes of obesity and developing strategies to prevent and treat it. The course also covers the social and environmental factors that contribute to obesity, which are important considerations for Obesity Researchers who are working to develop and implement effective obesity prevention and treatment strategies.
Certified Personal Trainer
Certified Personal Trainer
A Certified Personal Trainer helps people improve their fitness and overall health. This course, Understanding Obesity, provides a foundation in the physiology and psychology of obesity, which are important factors in understanding the causes of obesity and developing strategies to prevent and treat it. The course also covers the social and environmental factors that contribute to obesity, which are important considerations for Certified Personal Trainers who are working to help clients lose weight and maintain a healthy weight.
Teacher
Teacher
A Teacher teaches students in a variety of subjects. This course, Understanding Obesity, may be useful for Teachers who are teaching about obesity, as it provides a foundation in the physiology and psychology of obesity, which are important factors in understanding the causes of obesity and developing strategies to prevent and treat it.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
An Occupational Therapist helps people with disabilities perform everyday activities. This course, Understanding Obesity, may be useful for Occupational Therapists who are working with clients who have obesity, as it provides a foundation in the physiology and psychology of obesity, which are important factors in understanding the causes of obesity and developing strategies to prevent and treat it.
Social Worker
Social Worker
A Social Worker helps people with a variety of social and emotional problems. This course, Understanding Obesity, may be useful for Social Workers who are working with clients who have obesity, as it provides a foundation in the physiology and psychology of obesity, which are important factors in understanding the causes of obesity and developing strategies to prevent and treat it.
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse
A Registered Nurse provides nursing care to patients in a variety of settings. This course, Understanding Obesity, may be useful for Registered Nurses who are working with patients who have obesity, as it provides a foundation in the physiology and psychology of obesity, which are important factors in understanding the causes of obesity and developing strategies to prevent and treat it.
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapist
A Physical Therapist helps people with disabilities improve their movement and function. This course, Understanding Obesity, may be useful for Physical Therapists who are working with clients who have obesity, as it provides a foundation in the physiology and psychology of obesity, which are important factors in understanding the causes of obesity and developing strategies to prevent and treat it.
Sports Nutritionist
Sports Nutritionist
A Sports Nutritionist provides nutrition counseling and education to athletes. This course, Understanding Obesity, may be useful for Sports Nutritionists who are working with athletes who have obesity, as it provides a foundation in the physiology and psychology of obesity, which are important factors in understanding the causes of obesity and developing strategies to prevent and treat it.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/j7pfii/understanding
Reading list
We've selected 14 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Understanding Obesity.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the biology of fat, covering topics such as the different types of fat, the role of fat in the body, and the relationship between fat and obesity.
Save
Challenges the conventional wisdom about obesity, arguing that the focus on weight loss is misguided and harmful. Campos argues that obesity complex disease that is not simply caused by overeating and lack of exercise.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the psychology of eating, covering topics such as hunger, appetite, body image, and eating disorders.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of behavioral neuroscience, covering topics such as the brain, behavior, and the role of genetics in behavior.
Provides a practical guide to building good habits and breaking bad habits, covering topics such as setting goals, creating a system, and tracking your progress.
Provides a detailed overview of the mind-gut connection, covering topics such as the role of the gut microbiome in mental health, the effects of stress on the digestive system, and the use of probiotics to improve gut health.
Provides a step-by-step guide to intuitive eating, a non-diet approach to eating that focuses on listening to your body's hunger and fullness cues.
Challenges the conventional wisdom about weight and health, arguing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healthy eating and weight loss.
Provides a detailed overview of the science of happiness, covering topics such as the effects of happiness on health, productivity, and creativity.
Save
Provides a practical guide to body positivity, helping readers to challenge negative body image and develop a more positive relationship with their bodies.
Provides a detailed overview of the science of habits, covering topics such as how habits are formed, how to break bad habits, and how to create good habits.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the science of telomeres, which are the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes. Telomeres shorten with age, and this shortening has been linked to a number of age-related diseases, including obesity.
Provides a detailed overview of the science of introversion, covering topics such as the strengths and challenges of introversion, the importance of introversion in society, and the ways to overcome the stigma associated with introversion.
Save
Provides a detailed overview of the science of vulnerability, covering topics such as the importance of vulnerability in relationships, the effects of vulnerability on creativity, and the ways to overcome the fear of vulnerability.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/j7pfii/understanding
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Effort
4 weeks of study, 1-2 hours per week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
The University of Edinburgh
Instructor
Dr John Menzies
Language
English
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Good to know
Useful for personal growth and development
Develops understanding of how stress and early-life experience can affect our eating choices
Develops understanding of portion sizes and food insecurity may affect our behaviours
Provides a citizen science component where data is collected from participants and used to drive discussions
Provides a mixture of media, such as videos, audio-only MOOCcasts, and readings
Includes short weekly quizzes, peer-reviewed exercises, and forum discussions
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