Explains the complex nature of body fat and why both too much and too little are deleterious to health. Describes how genes, eating behavior, macronutrients, physiology, microorganisms, and the environment interact to produce obesity. Outlines how the food industry’s production of hyperpalatable foods fuels sweet, fat, and salt addiction and the obesity epidemic. Identifies the most effective diets that could produce long-lasting results in weight loss. Explains strategies for maintaining successful weight loss, managing food cravings, and treating emotional overeating. Identifies the relative effectiveness of diet, exercise, medications, and surgery in maintaining weight loss. Describes how the information in this course can be utilized to improve patient care and patient outcomes. Describes, for this course, the implications for dentistry, mental health, nursing, and other healthcare professions.

Compares and contrasts the different forms of diabetes. Explains why the number of cases of Type 2 diabetes is expanding worldwide. Describes how gut health impacts metabolic health and diabetes risk. Outlines potential complications of diabetes as well as appropriate interventions. Recognizes how insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes are linked to other conditions such as cognitive decline, depression, cancer sleep disorders, and periodontal disease. States the rationale for individualized blood sugar targets. Outlines the specific strategies to prevent, manage, and potentially reverse Type-2 diabetes, including lifestyle, surgical, and pharmacologic interventions. Describes how the information in this course can be utilized to improve patient care and patient outcomes. Describes, for this course, the implications for dentistry, mental health, and other health professions.

Identifies clinical signs & symptoms of inflammation. Describes the connections between inflammatory processes and chronic illness. Describes the role of inflammation in specific illnesses such as heart disease, COPD, diabetes, arthritis, and dementia. Lists practical strategies to reduce levels of inflammation in clinical practice. Explains the rationale for good dental prophylaxis and skin care in patients with chronic illness. Describes how the information in this course can be utilized to improve patient care and patient outcomes. Describes, for this course, the implications for dentistry, mental health, and other health professions.