In this course, we’ll look at the facts and misconceptions around obesity and discuss key physiological and psychological concepts around the brain’s control of appetite and body weight. We’ll consider the biological and environmental pressures that make it easy to gain weight (and hard to lose it!). Most importantly, we'll give you the opportunity to reflect on your own knowledge and assumptions around the subject.
Understanding Obesity
The University of EdinburghAbout this Course
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Learner Career Outcomes
67%
started a new career after completing these courses
60%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
33%
got a pay increase or promotion
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Beginner Level
Approx. 7 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English, Arabic
Learner Career Outcomes
67%
started a new career after completing these courses
60%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
33%
got a pay increase or promotion
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Beginner Level
Approx. 7 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English, Arabic
Offered by
The University of Edinburgh
Influencing the world since 1583, The University of Edinburgh is consistently ranked as one of the world's top 50 universities. Today, we are an established and global leader in online learning, providing degree-level education to 3,000 online students in addition to 36,000 students on-campus. We also offer a wide range of free online courses in a variety of subjects. To find out more about studying for one of our online degrees, search for ‘Edinburgh online’ or visit www.ed.ac.uk/studying/online-learning/postgraduate
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
1 hour to complete
Week 1: What we know, and how we know it.
This week we'll discuss what we know about diet, appetite and obesity. But, and perhaps more importantly, we'll point out the gaps in our knowledge.
1 hour to complete
4 videos (Total 30 min), 3 readings, 1 quiz
4 videos
Why is obesity a problem?8m
What do we know about appetite and obesity? Part 110m
What do we know about appetite and obesity? Part 27m
3 readings
About the course3m
MOOCcast 1.1: The Scientific Method10m
MOOCcast 1.2: Science, evidence and the media10m
1 practice exercise
Week 1 quiz10m
3 hours to complete
Physiology and Stress
This week we discuss some aspects of the physiology of obesity and learn how so-called "food addiction", stress and early-life experience can affect our eating choices.
3 hours to complete
2 videos (Total 17 min), 3 readings, 2 quizzes
3 readings
MOOCcast 2.1: Is food an addictive substance?10m
MOOCcast 2.2: Is eating a behavioural addiction?10m
MOOCcast 2.3: Stress, eating and dieting10m
1 practice exercise
Week 2 quiz15m
1 hour to complete
Psychology and Behaviour
This week we discuss some aspects of the psychology of appetite control and learn how portion sizes and food insecurity might affect our behaviours.
1 hour to complete
2 videos (Total 20 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz
2 readings
MOOCcast 3.1: Portion size and meal size10m
MOOCcast 3.2: Food insecurity10m
1 practice exercise
Week 3 quiz15m
2 hours to complete
Consolidation and Discussion
This week online material will be posted ad hoc as we consolidate and discuss what we've already learned. This week's main tasks are a quiz on the scientific method and the peer-reviewed assignment. Please note you can attempt the Week 4 quiz only once.
2 hours to complete
1 practice exercise
Week 4 quiz10m
Reviews
TOP REVIEWS FROM UNDERSTANDING OBESITY
by MMAug 20, 2017
Updated introduction and understanding of this popular topic in health. Worth to take time to learn not only for health promoter but those want to help friends and family members on this.
by ADAug 18, 2017
Very well addressed from different aspects. Helped forming a solid foundation to address the obesity problem as well as to make good food choices with portion control.
by AJJan 9, 2018
Great experience This was great experience, with thouthful insight’s.\n\nLooking forward for STEP 2 - Episode 2, “UNDERSTANDING OBESITY_Univ Edinburgh”…
by HAApr 25, 2020
enjoyed learning about obesity and learning to identify facts vs assumptions. I hope to help support people around me who have obesity issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the refund policy?
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Will I earn university credit for completing the Course?
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