Course content

1. Overview on the role of diet, exercise and behavioral therapy on the treatment of childhood obesity and on how obesity treatment for children and adolescents should be seen in a family perspective. The role of behavioral therapy in weight loss treatment will also be discussed, both from the perspective of children and adults. Motivation and principles of behavioral treatment will be discussed. Voluntary participation on course days for families in obesity treatment will be possible.

2. Different bariatric procedures will be compared in terms of their mechanisms of action, indications/contra-indications, efficacy and potential complications. The important role of follow-up after surgery will be discussed, and how this should be met from the perspectives of medicine, nutrition, behavior and physical activity.

3. Different pharmacological aprocahes will be compared in terms of their mechanisms of action, indications/contra-indications, efficacy and potential complications. The role of pharmacotherapy, as a single intervention, and in combination with conservative treatment, will be discussed in relation to weight loss and weight loss maintenance. Future directions in pharmacological treatment will also be discussed.Pharmacologic treatment of adult obesity.

4. In addition, a throughout discussion will also be done on the challenges to maintain weight loss in the long-term, after surgical treatments, with focus on predictors of success as well as characteristics of those who succeed in long term.

Learning outcome

After completing the course the student should:

• Have an understanding of the definition, causes and consequences of childhood obesity
• Be familiar with the role of diet, exercise and behavioral therapy in the treatment of obesity
• Have knowledge on how families are included in the treatment of children and adolescents
• Be able to identify the best treatment offer for each individual patient
• Be aware of different methods used to measure chanegs in body weight, diet, physical activity and behaviour within the treatment of childhood obesity
• Be aware of the concept of inter-individual variation in response to treatment and potential explanatory mechanisms
• Have knowledge on how pharmacotherapy can be used in obesity treatment
• Be able to ascertain whether a patient is a good candidate for surgical treatment
• Have an insight into how patients are to be followed up after surgery
• Be able to lead group treatments or follow-up courses after surgery
• Understand the challenges in weight loss maintenance after both bariatric surgery and conservative treatment
• Have knowledge of the different predictors of success and characteristics of those who succeed in long term weight loss maintenance after bariatric surgery

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, group work and internship. Attandance in lectures is mandatory.

Compulsory assignments

• Attendance in lectures

Recommended previous knowledge

Equivalent to admission to the master's programme in clinical health science.

Required previous knowledge

The student must have started on (or completed) the course KLH3103 (Obesity Treatment 1: Lifestyle Treatment).

Course materials

Given when semester starts.

Credit reductions