Implementing a Weight Management Program for Outpatients
by Christopher N. Ochner, PhD 7 CE Credits
Description:
Obesity is a nationwide epidemic, ranking second among causes of preventable death in the United States after tobacco use. The recent dramatic increase in obesity implies that individuals may not be able to simply ‘will’ the weight away. This course provides health professionals with a firm knowledge base in the area of weight management and introduces weight management programs for use with outpatients. Specifically, the physiology behind body weight regulation are presented and the cutoffs for determining “overweight”, “obese” and “morbidly obese” categories along with their corresponding health implications are outlined. Empirically-based diets, including ‘fad’ diets, are reviewed and the appropriateness of alternative therapies, such as bariatric surgery, addressed. Detailed strategies for implementing a weight management program with patients and for maintaining weight loss over time are discussed.
Learning Objectives:
After completing this course, health professionals will be able to:
- Identify the metabolic process associated with body weight regulation
- Indicate the medical and psychological risk factors associated with excess body weight
- Discuss current empirical evidence regarding the treatment of overweight and obese patients including popular or ‘fad’ diets
- Construct data-driven treatment plans utilizing evidence-based techniques for weight gain prevention, weight loss, and weight loss maintenance
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