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Understanding Obesity

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.

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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.

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

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

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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

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

Review dietary principles

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Refreshing your knowledge of basic nutrition will help you understand the physiology and psychology of appetite and body weight.

Browse courses on Dietary Guidelines

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Review the recommended daily intake of macronutrients and micronutrients.
Create a meal plan that meets your individual dietary needs.

Read 'The Obesity Code' by Dr. Jason Fung

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of the causes of obesity and offers practical advice for weight loss.

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Read the book and take notes on the key concepts.
Discuss the book with a friend or family member.

Compile a resource list on obesity

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Compiling a resource list will help you gather and organize information on obesity, which can be useful for your learning and future reference.

Browse courses on Information Gathering

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Search for reputable sources of information on obesity.
Collect relevant articles, websites, and videos.
Organize your resources into a structured list.

Five other activities

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Calculate calorie intake and expenditure

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Practicing calculating calorie intake and expenditure will help you understand the role of energy balance in weight management.

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Use a calorie-tracking app to log your food intake for a week.
Calculate your basal metabolic rate using an online calculator.
Estimate your daily activity level using a physical activity tracker.

Volunteer at a weight loss support group

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Volunteering at a weight loss support group will provide you with firsthand experience with the challenges and successes of weight management.

Browse courses on Peer Support

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Find a local weight loss support group.
Volunteer your time to help with group meetings.

Join a study group

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Joining a study group will allow you to connect with other students, share ideas, and support each other in your learning.

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Find a study group that meets your needs.
Attend study group meetings regularly.
Actively participate in group discussions.

Participate in a weight loss challenge

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Participating in a weight loss challenge can provide you with motivation and support to help you achieve your weight loss goals.

Browse courses on Motivation

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Find a weight loss challenge that is right for you.
Set realistic goals for the challenge.
Track your progress and stay accountable to the group.

Develop a weight loss plan

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Creating a weight loss plan will help you apply the principles of appetite control and weight management to your own life.

Browse courses on Behavior Modification

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Set realistic weight loss goals.
Choose a healthy diet that is sustainable for you.
Develop an exercise plan that you enjoy and can stick to.
Identify and address any psychological barriers to weight loss.

Career center

Learners who complete Understanding Obesity will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Educator

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Nutritionist

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.

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Registered Dietitian

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Health Psychology

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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.

Health Psychology: Theory, Research and Practice

Hardcover

$$$$

Health Psychology: Theory, Research and Practice

Kindle Edition

$$$

The Diet Myth

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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.

Understanding Obesity

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Obesity: a complex issue

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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