After completing the course you’ll be able to:

1. Weight Management Overview

1. List diseases that often result from overweight and obesity.
2. Explain how overweight and obesity are measured.
3. Describe how the prevalence of overweight and obesity in adults has changed over the years.
4. Cite statistics making the connection between overweight and obesity with diabetes, hypertension, high blood cholesterol and cancer.
5. Discuss the risks of developing various diseases associated with being overweight.
6. Describe various types of weight loss programs, relative risks, and their effectiveness.
7. Describe various types of diets and their pros and cons.
8. Describe a healthy diet and provide tips for healthy eating.
9. Substitute lower fat versions of foods.
10. Identify six factors that make people overweight.
11. Explain what causes gallstones and identify risk factors for gallstones.
12. List four common symptoms of gallstones or gallstone attack.
13. Describe the health benefits of physical activity.
14. Make the connection between physical activity and weight control.
15. Explain why smokers gain weight after quitting.
16. Separate facts from myths about diet, food and exercise.
17. Describe the effects of weight cycling.
18. Discuss very-low-calorie diets (VLCDs) and their effectiveness in producing lasting weight loss.
19. Identify barriers to adequate medical care and preventive services for an obese patient.
20. Identify health care provider barriers to adequate medical care and preventive services.
21. Discuss and list various prescription medications that promote weight loss.
22. Discuss potential risks and concerns when considering long-term weight-loss medical treatment for obesity.
23. Answer commonly asked questions by your patients about weight-loss medications.
24. Describe various surgical options to promote weight loss. 25. Describe restrictive and malbsorptive operations and explain their benefits and risks.
25. Make an assessment of patient to determine suitability for gastrointestinal surgery.
26. Identify someone with a binge eating disorder.

2. Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults

28. Define overweight and obesity and explain why overweight and obesity should be treated.
29. Describe the genetic influence in the development of overweight and obesity.
30. Describe the evaluation and treatment of overweight and obesity strategy using the treatment algorithm.
31. Describe the role of health professionals in weight loss therapy.
32. Define sleep apnea and hypopnea.
33. Describe the connection between the treatment of obesity and obstructive sleep apnea.
34. Lists the benefits of physical activity for the patient.
35. Provide examples of moderate amounts of activity.

3. Dietary Guidelines for Americans

36. Define a healthful diet. 37. Describe serving sizes for various food groups in the Food Guide Pyramid. 38. Explain why it is important to use sugars in moderation.
37. Explain the importance of reducing sodium intake in your diet.
38. Emphasize the importance of balancing the food we eat with physical activity, and maintaining or improving our weight.
39. List the calorie needs of children, inactive and active men and women, and older adults.
40. Differentiate between a portion and a serving.
41. Identify people who should not drink alcohol beverages at all.
42. List five tips to help you choose sensible portions when eating out or eating at home.

4. Finding a Weight Loss Program That Works for You

45. Recognize dubious, sensational and worthless ads for weight-loss products and services.
46. Choose a weight-loss program that meets the guidelines for providers of weight-loss products or services.
47. Recommend to your clients diet books that are backed by solid scientific evidence.

5. Medical Care for Obese Patients: Advice for Health Care Professionals

48. Identify reasons why obese patients are less willing to seek medical care.
49. Provide guidance to health care providers on addressing the special health care needs of patients who are overweight or obese.
50. List office supplies and equipment that should be stocked in a medical office to accommodate obese patients.
51. List conditions for which obese patients are at special risk.

6. Rationale For the Surgical Treatment of Morbid Obesity

52. Discuss various clinical studies of morbidly obese individuals, their risk of mortality, and results of surgical treatment.
53. Define surgical treatment goals for the morbidly obese.

7. Obesity, Physical Activity, and Weight Control Glossary

54. Define terms related to obesity, physical activity, and weight control.

Course Description

    *Identify psychological and physiological reasons for obesity.
    *Discuss reasonable and physically attainable goals for the patient.
    *Design a weight management plan tailored to the needs of the patient.
    *Discuss role of behavior modification, diet, nutrition, exercise,smoking, and lifestyle factors.
    *Discuss motivational techniques, positive imaging, family and peer support, and long-term maintenance.