Obesity & bariatric surgery, The patient journey

This module provides an overview of the current types of surgical and endoscopic interventions for obesity and outlines the criteria used to define whether surgical intervention is indicated Long-term outcomes of bariatric surgery are considered, in addition to potential complications of surgical procedures and implications of weight regain The module also provides guidance on the perioperative and long-term multidisciplinary care of the bariatric surgical patient

This module provides an overview of binge eating disorder, including its symptoms, prevalence, and associations with obesity. The presenter also explains how healthcare providers can screen patients for binge eating disorder and refer them to appropriate treatments.

This module discusses the causes of obesity and the many factors that can influence body weight. It discusses the powerful evidence that obesity has a genetic basis and mentions the relative importance of other causes of weight gain.

This module takes an organ-based approach to reviewing the comorbidities associated with obesity. It explains that most comorbidities associated with obesity can be identified through history taking and physical examination. It then reviews in further detail the complications which require further laboratory and diagnostic evaluation, OSA, Metabolic Syndrome, Type 2 diabetes, PCOS, Cushing's Syndrome. NAFLD, and Hypogonadism.

This module takes an organ-based approach to reviewing the comorbidities associated with obesity. It explains that most comorbidities associated with obesity can be identified through history taking and physical examination. It then reviews in further detail the complications which require further laboratory and diagnostic evaluation, OSA, Metabolic Syndrome, Type 2 diabetes, PCOS, Cushing's Syndrome. NAFLD, and Hypogonadism.

This module discusses the key elements of the diagnostic pathway which will help clinicians optimise the treatment of patients with obesity. In addition to exploring the causes, drivers and complications of obesity, clinical case studies are used to demonstrate the importance of questioning, history taking and medical investigations. A must for healthcare professionals working in obesity clinics, this module aims to enhance and improve the process of diagnosis in order to select the most appropriate management plan for patients.

This module discusses therapies for obesity management that are newly approved or currently under development and may be approved for future use. Divided into four sections, the module considers advancements in pharmacotherapy, endoscopic and GI interventions, bariatric surgery interventions, and telemedicine.

This module outlines how genetic changes contribute to obesity. It helps learners identify the signs of genetic obesity syndromes, emphasising the role of hyperphagia, while also guiding participants on how to examine individuals with potential genetic links to obesity and explore strategies for managing patients with genetic obesity syndromes.

People with an intellectual disability face a number of challenges that increase their risk of being overweight or having obesity. This module explores the reasons for this and how to break down the barriers to decrease this risk and create practical strategies to help them to optimise health outcomes.

This module discusses the complications of obesity that are specific to men. The focus is on endocrine, reproductive and urological conditions. The implications for these conditions and their interaction with other risk factors for cardiovascular and metabolic disorders are also discussed.

This module describes in detail the management of obesity in an adult population including how to stage the patient to assess risk of mortality and how to calculate energy expenditure. The different strategies to lose weight and how to maintain weight loss long-term are discussed.

The aim of this module is to develop an understanding of the role of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) in the management of patients with obesity, In this module, three members of the MDT (clinician, dietitian and psychologist) present four real-life cases managed at their centre, The module presents the patients' referral information and the views of each member of the MDT, These cases highlight the importance of MDT management and that successful outcomes in complex cases can be achieved with the right support, patient involvement in the decision making and the right MDT structure extending from before to after bariatric surgery.

This module provides an overall understanding between obesity and diet and outlines the different medical nutrition therapies used in the treatment of obesity as an intervention. The adherence to certain macronutrients, dietary patterns, fasting and weight management are considered. The module also outlines strategies for medical nutrition therapy adherence.

This two-part module provides an overview of NAFLD/NASH (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) and its relationship with obesity.

Professor John Wilding explores the relationship between obesity and breathlessness.

Obesity and Cancer by Professor Martin Wiseman explores the evidence linking obesity to preventable cancers

This module describes the complex relationship between obesity and chronic kidney disease, including the potential pathophysiologic processes that can increase the risk for chronic kidney disease progression. Management plans are presented, including behavioural, pharmacological, and surgical approaches to slow the progression of the disease.

Two pandemics - COVID-19 and obesity - are on a collision course. Individuals with obesity face a higher risk for adverse outcomes of COVID-19, and home quarantining measures have also exacerbated factors that predisposed to obesity. In this module, Dr Donna Ryan discusses the links between obesity and COVID-19 and the underlying biologic mechanisms of this association, and outlines management strategies to provide effective treatment to patients with obesity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This six-module course explores the complex interrelationship between obesity and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The modules explore how obesity increases CVD risk, considering the impact of obesity on the heart and the interaction of CVD with obesity-related complications. The controversial idea of the ‘obesity paradox’ – the suggestion that obesity may confer a "survival advantage" among patients with certain conditions – is also considered. Management plans are presented, including behavioural, pharmacological, and surgical approaches. The course is an essential resource for all health professionals treating patients with obesity and heart disease.

This is a two-part module on the interaction of obesity and mental health. Part 1 focuses on the high prevalence of common mental disorders in people living with obesity and the high levels of obesity in patients who live with serious mental illness. Part 2 focuses on understanding the psychologist’s or psychiatrist’s role in a multi-disciplinary approach to management of obesity, in the understanding that obesity is an illness which affects and is affected by mental health.

Obesity and Pharmacotherapy by Dr Donna Ryan explores pharmaceutical interventions in obesity management

Obesity and Pregnancy' discusses the impact of obesity on the female reproductive cycle, covering the effects of obesity on fertility, conception and assisted reproduction. The module also examines the influence of obesity on the pregnant mother, including health risks, delivery complications and maternal mortality, and explores the effects of maternal obesity on the foetus and child. It concludes by presenting three case presentations to highlight some of the key issues surrounding obesity and pregnancy, including a discussion on pregnancy after bariatric surgery.

This module gives an overview of body weight regulation, and outlines compensatory physiological changes which accompany weight loss, many of which appear to encourage weight regain.

Professor Gary Wittert explores the implications of obesity in the elderly and its treatment.

This module discusses the important questions to ask a patient presenting for weight loss and details the key features to observe when conducting the physical examination.

This module highlights some of the most commonly cited barriers to managing patients with obesity in a primary care setting. Dr Charles Capper, a UK-based GP, presents a variety of tools to overcome these barriers and outlines numerous effective obesity treatments to initiate in primary care.

This module gives an overview of how to structure weight management discussions in a primary care setting, including establishing positive conversations and avoiding common pitfalls if weight is a sensitive topic. It explores how well-meaning comments may come across quite differently to patients and summarises which treatment options are suitable for different circumstances.

The use of telemedicine - broadly defined as the delivery of health care services at a distance using electronic means - has increased significantly in prevalence due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated distancing measures. This module, authored by Dr Agbo Urudinachi, provides an introduction to telemedicine with specific reference to its use in obesity care and practice. The author discusses the main benefits and challenges telemedicine presents to patients, practitioners and health systems.

This module provides personal viewpoints from both patients and healthcare professionals describing their feelings around fighting obesity and around professional support. It considers the challenges in fighting obesity and the reasons why maintaining weight loss can be difficult for many patients.

Consequences for Health and Strategies to Improve Clinical Practice. This module provides an overview of the nature and extent of weight bias experienced by youth and adults, with specific attention to consequences of weight bias for health. Dr Puhl provides a summary of evidence highlighting links between weight bias and psychological wellbeing, eating behaviours and other physical health outcomes.

Implications of Weight Bias for Patient Care and Public Health Communication. This module provides a summary of the ways in which weight bias can affect health care delivery and compromise care for patients with obesity. Dr Puhl outlines five strategies to reduce weight bias and improve supportive care in clinical practice for patients with obesity, and highlights the importance of addressing weight bias in broader health communication beyond the medical office setting.

This module focuses on how health professionals can best guide their patients to develop a deeper understanding of their eating habits, to make and sustain evidence based dietary changes relevant to health improvement and weight management, and for patients to experience this process in a non-judgemental and supportive way.