Dr. Sharon Akabas (sa109@columbia.edu), Course Coordinator
Fridays (9:00 am – 5:20 pm)
April 25, May 2, May 9, May 16, May 23, 2008
“At present, more than two-thirds of Americans are overweight and 25% are obese, and it is expected that the prevalence of obesity in the United States will reach 40% in 2010 – and the rest of the world is rapidly catching up.” (Ravussin, E., A NEAT way to control weight? Science 307:530-531, 2005).
Prevention and treatment of obesity represent a tremendous challenge to the nutrition and allied health profession.
Course Goals:
1. To provide an understanding about the importance of the current epidemic of obesity and its
impact on disease development throughout the lifespan
2. To translate basic science findings related to obesity towards prevention and treatment in
clinical settings.
3. To examine the roles and responsibilities of health care providers in the prevention and
treatment of obesity, and to identify the resources required to assist the provider in the helping
process.
Objectives:
Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:
• Recognize the importance of obesity as a major national and international public health issue
• Recognize the impact of obesity during pregnancy on fetal outcome
• Explain how an individual’s genetic makeup and environment affect energy balance and obesity
• Explain the metabolic bases and consequences of obesity with an emphasis on the major co-
morbidities
• Understand the role of bias towards overweight as an obstacle to best practice
• Appreciate the significance of intervention for obesity in a range of clinical settings
• Understand the metabolic adaptations to weight loss
• Appreciate the role of cognitive behavioral treatment
• Describe the role of physical activity and psychological factors and the development and
treatment of obesity
• Understand the importance of culture and economics on intervention design
• Compare and contrast the safety and efficacy of dietary, pharmacologic and surgical intervention
of obesity, pediatric and adult patients
• Be able to utilize life-style and pharmacologic approaches for prevention and treatment of
obesity and its associated co-morbidities
• Incorporate the basic tenets of motivational interviewing into practice
Caloric Restriction: What can it teach us about obesity?
Alexander Banks, PhD
12:00 - 1:15 pm
LUNCH
1:15 - 2:45 pm
Role of physical activity in prevention and treatment
Sharon Akabas, PhD
3:00 - 3:45 pm
Physical activity in the NYC schools
Lori Benson, MS
4:00 - 4:30 pm
Calorie labeling; New York City perspective
Cathy Nonas, MS, RD
4:00 - 5:15 pm
Surveys & Wrap up
Sharon Akabas, PhD
HOW TO REGISTER:
Readings in Human Nutrition - Obesity: Etiology, Prevention and Treatment (3 credits)
Fridays ( 9:00 am – 5:20 pm )
Complete the Add drop form attached here: Add Drop Form
Course # M8201
Call # 27215
Section: 001
Days: April 25, May 2, May 9, May 16 & May 23
School: GM (Graduate Medical)
Dept: HNUT (Human Nutrition)
Credits: 3.0
Faculty: S. Akabas
Term: Spring 2008
FOR COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY STUDENTS ONLY:
This is a 3 credit MS course that can be taken for a letter grade or pass/fail.
Total course fees (including transcript and computer fees) $3,453.00
General registration period: January 15th - 17th
Change of program period January 22nd - February 1st (last day to register)
Complete the Add drop form attached here: Add Drop Form
FOR COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEES ONLY:
This is a 3 credit MS course that can be taken for a letter grade or pass/fail.
Total course fees (including transcript and computer fees) $3,453.00
Please complete and submit the following Form (click here) to the IHN office no later than April 22, 2008.
Submit an official transcript from each college or institution in which you have been enrolled for undergraduate or graduate work, or for continuing education courses no later than April 22, 2008.
Once you have received word that you have been approved to take the course, complete the Add/Drop form attached here: Add/Drop Form
Columbia University employees may be eligible for tuition benefits to attend this course. Employees should contact Human Resources to determine their eligibility for the tuition benefit.
Tuition exemption forms are available at the Human Resources office located at Black Building 1st floor - room 101
Completed tuition benefit and Add/Drop forms should be brought to the Institute of Human Nutrition's Administrative Offices located at 622 W. 168th Street (Presbyterian Hospital Bldg.) 15th Floor East - Suite 1512 (you will receive further registration instructions when you deliver your forms)
General registration period: January 15th - 17th
Change of program period: January 22nd - February 1st (last day to register)
FOR NON-COLUMBIA AFFILIATED (Health Professionals) ONLY:
Course fees including certificate of attendance: $1,500.00
Please complete and submit the following Form (click here) to the IHN office no later than April 22, 2008.
Submit an official transcript from each college or institution in which you have been enrolled for undergraduate or graduate work, or for continuing education courses no later than April 22, 2008.
Space is limited for approved health professionals (non Columbia University affiliates). You will be contacted with further instructions if approved.
Return form to:
OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS
INSTITUTE OF HUMAN NUTRITION
630 WEST 168TH STREET
PH 15 EAST, ROOM 1512
NEW YORK, NY 10032
By submitting this form you are assuming responsibility for all fees pertaining to this course regardless of the dates attended in the course.
For more information, contact Dr. Sharon R. Akabas at sa109@columbia.edu, Ms. Leslie DePena-Liriano or Mr. Alex Sosa at (212) 305-4808 / nutrition@columbia.edu
