Weight management program reduces job absenteeism
Obesity does not only have direct medical costs, but it also has wider economic costs that many of us do not think about. Examples of this are, missed time from work and lost productivity. This study, from the University of Michigan, aimed to analyse the effects of a weight management program with the focus being the impact that it had at work. The program itself is billed as a two year, multicomponent and multidisciplinary program for people with moderate to severe obesity. Low-calorie meal replacements are used in the early stages with a stepwise progression to food based diets and an eventual change in behaviour being the final outcome.
92 participants from a range of industries were involved in the study, the program itself was shortened to six months. However, the individuals lost an average of 41 pounds, further to this it was reported that before the program was initiated they were spending 5.2 fewer hours at work than what their employers expected, after the program they were spending 6.4 hours more than expected. A change in job performance was not seen, therefore the authors are hoping to further this research to discover if they can affect job productivity.
Read MoreMetabolic syndrome branded the new ‘silent killer’
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of three or more risk factors that increase your chances of developing heart disease, stroke and diabetes. These include, but are not limited to – increased blood pressure, abdominal obesity, high triglycerides, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance. Now, researchers from Florida Atlantic University, are claiming that metabolic syndrome has become a ‘silent killer’ of the modern age. They estimate that 1 in 3 adults in the USA are affected by metabolic syndrome, and as obesity is a major accelerator for the development of the problem, they say that being overweight is overtaking smoking as the leading avoidable cause of premature death in the US.
They have warned that individuals with metabolic syndrome remain largely asymptomatic, but have a similar risk of a first coronary event as those who have suffered one before. It is also suggested that metabolic syndrome is underdiagnosed and undertreated. In the commentary the researchers stress the importance of therapeutic lifestyle changes beginning in childhood as they estimate that the current generation of children and adolescents in the USA will be the first since 1960 to have higher mortality rates than their parents due mainly to cardiovascular disease. The export of the American diet and lifestyle was also accused of increasing global rates of obesity and physical inactivity. It is hoped that from now, metabolic syndrome will become more understood and clinicians will look for it in their patients in order to stop this growing problem.
Read MoreShould weight loss be included in pain management?
A study from Leeds Beckett University has suggested that weight loss programmes should become part of pain management for obese patients. The team investigated 74 patients who were divided into groups according to their weight. They then applied pressure, cold and heat to different areas of their bodies. According to the researchers, obese patients are more susceptible to pressure pain than their normal weight counterparts. A similar result was found in the overweight participants. There was no difference in heat tolerance between the groups.
Study author, Dr Osama Tashini, explained that obese people are highly likely to experience pressure pain due to the mechanical impact of increased weight on their joints; this study found that it was not only the joints where they experienced high amounts of pain. Therefore, he has proposed, that as part of a normal pain management plan, overweight and obese patients should be counselled in weight loss. He did however point out that the study did not display clear causality, as obese patients may have been more sensitive to pressure pain before they gained weight, and were therefore more likely to not partake in physical activity.
Read MoreIs birth weight a risk factor for fatty liver disease?
A study from the University of California has found that children with a high birth weight are more likely to develop hepatitis from fatty liver disease. This is after researchers conducted a study in 530 individuals under the age of 21 who had a confirmed diagnosis of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). They collected the birth weights of the individuals and found the link. Interestingly, they also found that children with a lower birth weight were more likely to develop scarring of the liver.
NAFLD describes a spectrum of diseases that begin with fatty deposits on the liver, as this disease progresses, the liver can become fibrotic and then enters a period of cirrhosis, which means it is permanently scarred. In extreme cases this can eventually lead to liver cancer. Birthweight itself involves many factors including maternal and in utero, this is one of the first studies to identify the risks of both extremes of weight in relation to developing NAFLD in later life.
Read MoreMaine state senator delivers bill demanding better obesity care
The Maine state senator, Nate Libby, has recently presented a bill committed to reducing the obesity and chronic disease rate in Maine by providing better obesity care. By making nutritional therapies and obesity medications more affordable, Senator Libby is hoping to make the people of Maine healthier, whilst also saving money on treatments that they might have needed in the future.
The aim is to provide better access to evidence-based obesity care whilst also reducing the prices of a range of therapies available to the obese population of Maine. Whilst in many other US states costs for treating the complications of obesity are rising rapidly, it is hoped that Maine could act as a pioneer in the way it develops its obesity program, and that other states would soon follow in its footsteps.
Read MoreStarting an online Masters – Do you know what to expect?
What do I need to consider before starting?
Studying at master's level does require a higher level of commitment. To get the most out of your studies, it is important that you set time aside to read and study the materials. CCH's MSc in Obesity Care and Management is made up of presentations, videos, podcasts and reading materials to complement, and suit, all learning styles.
Who will I be studying with?
You will be studying with fellow health professionals from across the UK and the globe including: GPs, doctors, nurses, physicians, surgeons, physiotherapists, dieticians, nutritionists, psychologists and professionals working in weight management. Our international student base means that you have the unique opportunity to share best practice with health professionals from across the globe!
Will I get support?
CCH student support is second to none. From online tutors and module leaders, assisting you to achieve your best academic potential, to an in-house tech and admissions team to help you with any query you have – no matter how big or small! You will be completely supported throughout your time at CCH.
Will it even be worth it
Absolutely! Studying the Masters in Obesity Care and Management prepares you for the challenges that patients with obesity can present. The course gives you the tools, skills and confidence to provide your patients with the best evidence-based obesity care and weight management.
What can I do after studying?
The MSc Obesity Care and Management prepares health professionals for a leadership role within weight and obesity management. This includes: GPs, doctors, nurses, physicians, surgeons, physiotherapists, dieticians, psychologists, and counsellors running weight management clinics. On completing the MSc you will have the knowledge and skills to further improve patient care which could enhance your future career progression.
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