Undertake advanced-level education and learn the necessary skills to join the workforce in obesity prevention, treatment, and management. Choose a career path that can make a vital difference to the health and quality of life of an ever-increasing number of individuals, globally and in the UK, who can suffer severe consequences due to their condition. Only recently this has been once more brought to renewed attention by the global and national Covid-19 pandemic.
Being overweight and obese are linked to various health issues, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cancers, polycystic ovary syndrome, and depression. The personal and economic costs of overweight and obesity are substantial and growing annually. To improve public health, it is crucial to manage excess weight and prevent obesity through diet, nutrition, exercise, and behavior change techniques. Students will develop an increasing awareness of societal perspectives on obesity and weight management strategies and policies. This course offers advanced-level education, continuous professional development, and training for those in obesity prevention, weight management, health promotion, and related areas.
Topics covered include the latest developments in public health and obesity prevention strategies, diet and nutrition, exercise, psychology and behavior change, and research methods. Practical and problem-based sessions are included in teaching and assessments to provide hands-on experience in assessing body composition, dietary intake, physical activity, recipes, meal plans, and weight management consultations. Students also conduct their own Master's research projects under the guidance of experienced supervisors, either internationally or within their workplace. University events and opportunities are also involved to enhance the student experience and support them in gaining transferable skills.
Why study this course with us?
The Obesity and Weight Management program in the UK was the first to focus on managing excess weight and treating obesity. The program is delivered by a team of experts in nutrition, dietetics, exercise, public health, behavior change, and research. The program invites various obesity and weight management professionals to deliver guest lectures and practical sessions, adding relevance to the course content. The UK government announced additional funding for weight management services in March 2021, addressing the growing public health issue of overweight and obesity. The program offers a flexible learning experience, with modules undertaken in three-day blocks followed by a half-day tutorial.
The program can be completed full-time or part-time, and students can obtain a Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma. The program is suitable for newly qualified undergraduates and healthcare professionals seeking to change careers or enhance their current options. The program has welcomed students from both UK and international backgrounds, making the knowledge exchange highly relevant and exciting.
