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This module will explore the theory, research and practice of public health nutrition, as related to obesity. Prevention of chronic weight gain in many parts of the world are essential and approaches to address this issue so far will be discussed.

This module aims to provide a thorough understanding of the assessment tools and different treatment pathways available to manage obesity and its complications. After taking this module you should be able to:

1. Describe the main national and international data on diet and obesity in the population and in high risk sub-groups
2. Understand and synthesise the scientific basis of and recommendation from government policy relating obesity prevention
3. Appreciate how to evaluate the strength of evidence relating diet to health outcomes
4. Interpret and draw conclusions from complex and conflicting scientific data; engage in structured debate on food policy issues relevant to the obesity challenge and gain experience in presentations through seminars and workshop.

Prevention of chronic weight gain in many parts of the world is essential and approaches to address this issue so far will be discussed. Some of the topics you will be introduced to include (but not restricted to) the basics of nutrition epidemiology, factors affecting outcomes of meta-analysis in obesity research, the epidemiology and health risks of obesity (global perspective), food and health disparities: Special population groups at risk of overnutrition, the obesogenic environment (sedentary lifestyle; labour saving devices; food availability; socioeconomic inequalities), patterns of obesity in industrialised and developing countries, eating disorders, theories of change in relation to treatment of obesity, food policy and public health obesity strategies in the national and international arena.

The module will be delivered using a combination of lectures and tutor-directed tutorials where students will interact in smaller groups to debate on ideas around current policy matters, in order to consolidate their knowledge and understanding.