All courses

New from the academic year 2011/2012

Course content

This course will start by discussing the best practices in evaluating the obese patient from a behavioural and nutritional perspective, as well as in terms of physical activity. It will then give an “evidence-based” overview of the role of behavioural therapy, diet and exercise on the treatment of obesity. It will provide an in-depth discussion of the role of behavioural therapy and its different components in obesity management. Dietary approaches and exercise programs used in weight management, their efficacy and practicality, will also be presented and compared. Inter-individual response to exercise, in terms of weigh loss, will be highlighted and potential mechanisms mediating such differences discussed.

Learning outcome

After having completed this course the students should:
- Be familiar with the best practices in evaluating the obese patient from a behavioral, nutritional and physical activity perspective.
- Have a good understanding of the role of behavioral therapy and its components on obesity management.
- Have a good knowledge of the main therapeutic diets in obesity treatment, their rational and efficacy.
- Have a basic understanding of the impact of exercise on markers of health and disease.
- Have a good knowledge of the impact of different exercise programs on weight management.
- Be familiar with the concept of “inter-individual response to exercise” and understand the potential mechanism mediating such differences.
- Be able to critically analyze literature regarding the role of different behavioral interventions on obesity management and use them to formulate adequate arguments.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, guidance and essay.

Some lectures will be given in English, others in Norwegian. Lectures are compulsory.

Assessment will be done through a 3000-word essay/assignment and a written examination counting for 30 % and 70 % respectively. In re-scheduled examinations or in cases of few registered candidates the assessment form may be changed to an oral examination.

Compulsory assignments

Recommended previous knowledge

Equivalent to admission to the master's programme in clinical health science.

Required previous knowledge

Course materials

Is announced at the start of the semester.