PREWORK MODULES

The required modules focus on foundational concepts in weight management science and evidence-based practice. Completion of the following fifteen modules is mandatory before participating in the live event. 

Science of Obesity Module - 4 Hours

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the key obesity-related physiological and metabolic pathways.
• Describe how adipose tissue functions as an endocrine organ and the metabolic impact.
• Cite these terms and describe their effect on metabolism and implications for treatment of overweight and obesity.
• Cite the hormones that regulate hunger and satiety and describe implications for weight management treatment.
• Describe the role of liver fat and the impact on comorbidities of obesity.
• Describe the impact of genetic imprinting and the intrauterine environment and the impact on the development of obesity.
• Discuss the microbiome and the possible effects and dietary treatment options.

Assessment and Treatment of Pediatric Overweight and Obesity Module - 2 Hours

Learning Objectives:

• Define BMI percentile, height for age, weight for age, and sexual maturity ratings and identify their indications for use in the anthropometric assessment of a toddler, child, and adolescent.
• Identify and utilize evidence-based or best practice recommendations for screening tools used to assess overweight and obesity in the pediatric population.
• Utilize the current recommendations to treat toddlers, children, and adolescents who are “at risk for overweight” and have “overweight and obesity.

Assessment in Adult Weight Management Module - 3 hours

Learning Objectives

• Describe the NCP as it relates to weight management assessment and treatment.
• Apply the most relevant weight management SOP/SOPPs.
• Review medical, physical and psychosocial parameters related to obesity that should be screened during assessment to identify health risks including pros/cons of assessment methods
• Apply the nutrition-focused physical exam for weight management to a case study scenario.
• Describe methods of assessment of dietary intake.

Diet and Nutrition Interventions in Weight Management for Adults - 2 hours

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the latest evidence-based guidelines for adult weight management treatment.
• Apply the key nutrition-related guidelines to a weight management treatment plan.
• Specify evidence-based tools for adult weight management, such as meal replacements and other portion control tools.

Prevention of Pediatric Overweight and Obesity Module - 4 Hours

Learning Objectives:

• Identify evidence-based programs and best practices focused on parenting and family lifestyle interventions that may prevent the development of overweight and obesity in the pediatric and adult populations.
• Adapt evidence-based programs and best practices focused on parenting and family lifestyle interventions that may prevent the development of overweight and obesity in the pediatric and adult populations (including early identification of overweight and obesity risk factors in the pediatric population).
• Promote evidence-based programs and best practices that may prevent the development of overweight and obesity in the pediatric and adult populations.
• Investigate the role of sleep on obesity in childhood and adulthood.

Obesity Management through Life Stages (Life Transitions) Module - 4 Hours

Learning Objectives:

• Describe strategies for preventing excessive gestational weight gain.
• Describe strategies to support low birth weight or small for gestational age infant "catch-up" growth.
• Describe strategies for preventing childhood/puberty/adolescent obesity.
• Describe strategies for preventing adult weight gain.
• Describe strategies for preventing advanced-age sarcopenic obesity.
• Demonstrate how RDN should modify treatment approaches for patients/clients at different life stages.

Behavioral Modification and Counseling Module - 4 Hours

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the behavioral skills and techniques used in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) to help clients modify eating and activity habits.
• Describe characteristics of CBT for obesity management.
• Describe cognitive skills utilized in a CBT approach to weight management.
• Describe the four main components of motivational interviewing (MI).
• Explain the importance of accurate reflective statements.
• Understand the techniques for providing clients with objective feedback.
• Describe the dietitian and client outcomes attained from trained dietitians in basic MI interviewing skills.
• Describe the differences between individual and group weight management counseling.
• Define the key elements to successfully facilitating groups.
• Describe the methods to adapt MI counseling principles to a group setting.
• Describe psychological and behavioral screening tools.
• Describe cultural considerations that can affect weight management.

Counseling and Behavioral Management Module (Pediatric) - 2 Hours

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the elements of the clinical assessment for children and adolescents.
• Describe family issues involved in the treatment of children and adolescents.
• Recognize the key components of behavioral weight management for children and adolescents.

Physical Activity and Overweight and Obesity: Children & Youth Module - 2 Hours
Learning Objectives:

• Identify appropriate and reliable physical activity assessment tools for pediatric patients and their families.
• Identify physiologic and metabolic factors that limit physical activity in pediatric patients who have overweight or obesity.
• Identify potential biochemical, anthropometric, behavioral and fitness outcomes related to increased physical activity in patients with overweight or obesity including use of evidence-based recommendations and/or protocols for physical activity in the treatment of the pediatric patient who has overweight obesity.
• Recognize when a referral to an appropriate health professional of physical activity is warranted.

Physical Activity in Overweight and Obesity Module (Adult) - 3 Hours

Learning Objectives

• Specify the RDN scope of practice regarding physical activity in weight management treatment.
• Cite the components of a physical activity assessment for adults.
• Assess current physical activity level in patients/clients.
• Apply physical activity assessment data to the calculation of total daily energy expenditure for adults.
• Evaluate when and to whom patients/clients need to be referred for physical activity counseling/intervention.
• Integrate providing physical activity guidance into the Nutrition Care Process.

Pharmacotherapy and Medical Complications Module - 4 Hours

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the current criteria for anti-obesity pharmacotherapy use.
• Differentiate patients who are potential candidates for anti-obesity pharmacotherapy.
• Identify the FDA-approved anti-obesity pharmacotherapy options.
• Understand the role of anti-obesity pharmacotherapy in obesity treatment
• Cite the common medical complications of obesity.
• Recognize the prevalence of common medical complications of obesity.
• Identify the signs and symptoms of common medical complications of obesity.

Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery for Obesity Module - 3 Hours

Learning Objectives:

• Describe when bariatric surgery may be indicated for patients with high risk obesity.
• Describe the various types of bariatric surgery commonly performed in the U.S.
• Describe how each procedure differs in influencing the weight regulatory system; for example, how does the sleeve gastrectomy (SG) differ from the roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB)?
• Describe how each bariatric procedure influences vitamin and mineral status.
• Describe the metabolic and weight loss outcomes after bariatric surgery.

Weight Loss Maintenance Module - 2 Hours

Learning Objectives:

• Define weight loss maintenance.
• Describe energy balance in the context of weight loss maintenance.
• Describe physiological and behavioral factors that affect energy balance and ultimately, weight loss maintenance.
• Apply findings from the empirical literature on weight loss maintenance in practice settings.
• Identify technologies and tools to facilitate weight loss maintenance.
• Identify who the RDN can work with in interdisciplinary settings to facilitate weight loss maintenance.

Federal Nutrition Assistance Programs: National School Meal Programs and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) - 2 Hours

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the role School Nutrition Programs can play to enhance efforts to reduce the incidence of pediatric obesity.
• Describe the role WIC has played to decrease the incidence of Pediatric Obesity.
• Describe the changes in meal patterns in schools that have gone into effect since the passage of the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010.
• Describe the RDN’s role in working with Wellness Policies in schools.

Healthcare Systems Module - 3 Hours

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the key features of health care system transformation.
• Discuss health care initiatives such as the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH), Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) and the Comprehensive Primary Care Initiative (CPC and CPC+).

It has been determined that it may take up to 44 hours to complete these fifteen modules.