Obesity: an introduction to management in adults 

This course explores how nurses, particularly those working in primary care or with an interest in health promotion, can support people with obesity to reduce their risk of comorbidities. Through realistic clinical scenarios and practical guidance, it supports health professionals to promote healthy lifestyle changes, provide person-centred support, and understand the key principles of obesity management and prevention.

  • 2 hours

    Estimated learning time

  • Case studies

    Practice-based scenarios

  • Certificate

    Awarded on completion

  • Pre & post questions

    Track your learning

Learning objectives


After studying this course you should be able to:

  • Explain the importance of addressing obesity and linked comorbidities 
  • Identify how to approach the topic of obesity with a patient 
  • Assess a patient for obesity 
  • List the current principles of managing obesity 
  • Identify some of the barriers to making long-term changes 
  • Explain the importance of individualised care 
The discussion areas within each module provide an opportunity to reflect on the content, share experiences from practice, and learn from other health professionals. Taking part in discussions can help support participatory learning as part of your CPD activity.

Course author

Jenny Brown, honorary clinical research fellow at the Centre for Obesity Research and Epidemiology, Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen. Updated by Jane DeVille-Almond, independent nurse consultant, president of the British Obesity Society.

This course is endorsed by the British Obesity Society.

All Nursing Times courses are written by expert nurses and double-blind peer reviewed.

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Last updated 2023
Disclaimer
Healthcare knowledge is constantly changing and we have taken reasonable care to ensure that the content included in this is accurate and up to date at the time it was created. Nursing Times courses are provided for general reference and learning purposes only: they cannot of course take account of individual circumstances and should not therefore be relied upon on their own in connection with administering medicines or providing treatment. We strongly advise users to confirm that the information provided, especially with regard to drug usage, complies with all current legislation and standards of practice. By proceeding to access this course you confirm your acceptance of, and agreement to, these terms.