Across the globe, more people are suffering from obesity than at any other time in our history. Why has obesity become so common and so challenging? In this course, we will look at the root cause of obesity, as explained by the latest science. We will see how our food environment has evolved over the last half-century, and how it is altering our biology to over-consume calories and resist sustained weight loss. We will also see how stress, a sedentary lifestyle, and inadequate sleep disrupt our appetite control system to promote gaining weight. By developing a better understanding of the physiology behind obesity, you will learn how to work with your body to prevent and manage weight gain. This course will also provide practical tools and strategies for creating a long-term, sustainable weight management plan to leverage your habits and your surroundings.
About this Course
What you will learn
Understand obesity, appetite hormones, and weight set point.
Identify the main dietary factors that affect weight.
Recognize underemphasized barriers to weight loss such as stress and inadequate sleep.
Develop a weight management plan you can follow for life.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week
13 hours to complete
Understanding Obesity
Since the discovery of the first appetite hormone in the 1990s, the science of obesity has advanced dramatically. The growing understanding of how hunger and weight "set point" are regulated is changing the way we need to approach weight loss. This week, we will see how the brain, hormones, gut, and emotions interact to control food intake and weight. By learning about our biology, and how to work with rather than against it, you will become more successful at reaching your goals.
5 videos (Total 18 min), 4 readings, 2 quizzes
5 videos
Dealing with Something Greater than Willpower4m
How We Regulate Appetite & Food Intake3m
Obesity As a Disease of Weight Set Point3m
Why There's No One-Size-Fits-All Approach to Losing Weight3m
4 readings
Course Outline & Grading Information5m
Week 120m
The Science Behind Weight Regains
Weight Set Point & Genetics30m
1 practice exercise
Let's Practice!20m
Week
24 hours to complete
Managing Obesity: The Role of Diet
Counting calories can be helpful, but not all calories are created equal. Different foods are broken down and interact with our body in dramatically different ways. This week, we will look at the common ground among the healthiest dietary patterns and outline a framework for the diet best supported by existing scientific studies.
3 videos (Total 16 min), 3 readings, 2 quizzes
3 videos
The Benefits of Whole Foods4m
Weight Loss Diet Wars: Is There a Best Diet?6m
3 readings
Week 230m
Processed Foods & Diet50m
The Role of Whole Foods30m
1 practice exercise
Let's Practice!20m
Week
33 hours to complete
Beyond Diet: The Role of Stress, Exercise, & Sleep
While the foods we eat are critical for managing weight, they are only part of the challenge. Often underestimated are the effects of stress, exercise, and sleep. The goal this week is to see how each of these factors can influence the hormones and chemicals that control our appetite and metabolism.
3 videos (Total 12 min), 4 readings, 2 quizzes
3 videos
Exercise & Physical Activity: Powering Your Metabolism4m
Sleep Deprivation & Appetite2m
4 readings
Week 330m
Stress40m
Exercise30m
Sleep30m
1 practice exercise
Let's Practice!20m
Week
43 hours to complete
Using Habit & Emotions to Your Advantage
Habits drive many of our everyday choices. Unlike deliberate decisions, habits are carried out instinctively. In addition to knowing about the foods and behaviors we need to adopt, we need to engineer habits to support out goals subconsciously. This week, we will learn how to use habit to our advantage and practice mindfulness when we eat.
3 videos (Total 12 min), 3 readings, 2 quizzes
3 videos
How to Consistently Make Healthy Choices4m
Developing a Better Relationship with Food3m
3 readings
Week 420m
Environment & Unconscious Choices
How to Be a Mindful Eater25m
1 practice exercise
Let's Practice!20m
Instructor
Sharon Horesh Bergquist, MD
Assistant ProfessorSchool of Medicine
About Emory University
Emory University, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is one of the world's leading research universities. Its mission is to create, preserve, teach and apply knowledge in the service of humanity.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
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