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.
Offered By


Understanding Obesity
The University of EdinburghAbout this Course
Offered by

The University of Edinburgh
Since 1583 the University of Edinburgh has been at the forefront of innovation in education and research. Ranked 20th in the world, we have been an international leader in online learning since our first online degree launched in 2005. As part of our commitment to making learning accessible to all, we offer free courses in a variety of subjects including philosophy, health, animal welfare and STEM courses, all designed to build the skills of the global community.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
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.
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.
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.
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.
Reviews
- 5 stars70.87%
- 4 stars21.70%
- 3 stars5.19%
- 2 stars0.37%
- 1 star1.85%
TOP REVIEWS FROM UNDERSTANDING OBESITY
Great experience This was great experience, with thouthful insight’s.\n\nLooking forward for STEP 2 - Episode 2, “UNDERSTANDING OBESITY_Univ Edinburgh”…
Covers the neurological and psychological aspects which lead to obesity and often overlooked.
Fantastic! Well laid out and insightful. Can't wait for another Level or Specialization to be added for this course.
enjoyed learning about obesity and learning to identify facts vs assumptions. I hope to help support people around me who have obesity issue.
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