This new evidence-based mini-course  has been developed specifically to educate nurses about the evidence-based use of Very Low Calorie Diets (VLCDs) and dietary supplements in obesity management

It highlights  how VLCDs are a safe, well tolerated and evidence-based option and can be used in conjunction with other weight loss therapies for effective long term weight management. It's main focus is to also provide a comprehensive summary of the current thinking regarding obesity management, using an evidence based approach to debunk myths and misconceptions, explain the complex causes of obesity and how perceived weight stigma-discrimination is significantly associated with poorer health outcomes.

This activity will bring to the forefront the importance of nurses in primary care, who are well placed to disseminate weight-related information, who have positive attitudes towards providing nutritional support and who are often the first port of call for follow up questions and ongoing advice and encouragement.

3 HOURS of high-quality evidence-based CPD!

Leading experts come together to describe evidence-based, best practice

  • Test your Learning Quizzes!

    Engage in a series of multi-choice questions after each session to test your learning

  • Easy CPD Documentation

    Use our custom CPD Documentation and Reflection Tool to generate an automatic summary of your learning after each session

  • Certificate of Completion

    Receive a downloadable Certificate of Completion

This learning activity is proudly endorsed by

National Association of Clinical Obesity Services (NACOS)

The National Association of Clinical Obesity Services (NACOS) is a collective of representatives of organisations providing clinical obesity services in Australia. We are committed to improving the quality of care for people living with obesity and its complications. NACOS is leading a broad programme of activities to achieve this outcome.

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Topics & Speakers

Featuring a unique collection of topics from experts, developed by a multi-disciplinary team consisting of nurse educators, peak bodies, medical specialists and the research community. This mini-course will specifically empower and educate nurses and midwives in light of their crucial position at the coalface of public health.

Obesity Management Myths and Misconceptions – What Nurses Need to Know

Prof John Dixon, Adjunct Professor, Iverson Health Innovations Institute, Swinburne University, Melbourne

There is a public health misconception that obesity is an avoidable or behavioural risk factor for many diseases. Due to such myths and misconceptions, people living with obesity commonly suffer from the effects of external and internalised weight stigma which is socially, psychologically and behaviourally damaging and often exacerbates their morbidities. In this lecture, Professor Dixon separates myths and misconceptions from the facts and data. He outlines the risks and complications that arise from obesity and uses the data to explain how diet and exercise alone are not proven to be effective in managing obesity. He highlights the holistic benefits achieved by three evidence based treatment methods that are effective for long term weight management to date.
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Chronic Inflammation and Obesity

An individual’s weight over the span of their life is greatly determined for them by genetics, the environment they were born into and brain wiring in early life, rather than by choices that they make. In this lecture Professor John Dixon defines obesity as a chronic inflammatory disease and discusses the implications of this on the development of obesity and its complications. The inflammatory response to the dysfunction and accumulation of visceral adipose tissue is explained in the context of the development of diseases of the heart, liver, pancreas and cancer. Extending treatment of obesity goals beyond weight loss to improve patients overall health, wellbeing, quality of life and functioning is also emphasised.

An Evidence Based Approach to using VLCDs in General Practice

Professor John Dixon discusses the use of Very Low Calorie Diets (VLCDs) as total diet replacements. Prof Dixon explains how VLCDs are an essential element of any weight management plan. Examining the latest evidence Prof Dixon describes how VLCDs are safe, very well tolerated and can be used in conjunction with other weight loss therapies for effective long term weight management.

Meal Replacements and Diet Drinks in Type 2 Diabetes

Professor John Dixon discusses the evidence base for the use of Very Low Calorie Diets (VLCD) in the dietary management of Type 2 Diabetes. He explains how VLCDs can help to normalise beta cell function and insulin sensitivity, reduce weight and promote remission of Type 2 Diabetes.

VLCDs, Weight Loss and Fertility

Melanie McGrice, Fertility and Prenatal Dietitian; Founder of Nutrition Plus

Fertility and Prenatal Dietitian Melanie McGrice examines the efficacy of Very Low Calorie Diets (VLCDs) and weight loss in improving fertility and provides some evidence based strategies for improving fertility. Melanie discusses male and female fertility, Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the latest research on intrapartum weight.
Melanie McGrice

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Course curriculum

  • 1

    Chapter 1: Introduction

    • How Does This Mini-Course Work?

    • Answer these questions before you begin

    • About This Mini-Course

    • About NACOS

  • 2

    Chapter 2: An Evidence Based Approach to Using VLCDs

    • Download your handbook here

    • Video Lecture (24 mins of CPD)

    • Test your learning!

    • Document your CPD here

  • 3

    Chapter 3: Obesity Management Myths and Misconceptions – What Nurses Need to Know

    • Download your handbook here

    • Video Lecture (30 mins)

    • Test your learning!

    • Document your CPD here!

  • 4

    Chapter 4: Meal Replacements and Diet Drinks in Type 2 Diabetes

    • Download your handbook here

    • Video Lecture (30 mins of CPD)

    • Test your learning!

    • Document your CPD here

  • 5

    Chapter 5: Chronic Inflammation and Obesity

    • Download your handbook here

    • Video lecture (25 mins of CPD)

    • Test your learning!

    • Document your CPD here

  • 6

    Chapter 6: VLCDs, Weight Loss and Fertility

    • Download your handbook here

    • Video Lecture (24 mins of CPD)

    • Test your learning!

    • Document your CPD here

  • 7

    Chapter 7: Resources

    • OptiFast VLCD Recommended Resources

    • Become an OPTIFAST Accredited Health Professional

    • NACOS Resources

    • Please let us know your thoughts