Certificate Course in Obesity Prevention and Management (CCOPM)
Obesity, an established public health problem in the developed world, is fast becoming an important issue in developing countries as well, as confirmed by numerous studies. From a public health perspective, obesity is a major risk factor for a range of chronic diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.
Patients trust the advice of primary care providers on weight management, but various barriers hinder the effective counselling and treatment of patients with overweight or obesity. Physicians and other medical graduates often lack training in the behavioural counselling and interdisciplinary teamwork that is necessary for comprehensive lifestyle intervention. Considering the crucial role of primary care physicians in the prevention and management of obesity, Chellaram Diabetes Institute (CDI) and Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) have developed a new online course – “Certificate Course in Obesity Prevention and Management (CCOPM)”.
Certificate Course in Obesity Prevention and Management (CCOPM) is a 6-modular course aimed to develop the knowledge and skills of primary care physicians and to play a crucial role in helping patients achieve sustainable weight loss. There is often a lack of training in the behavioral counselling and interdisciplinary teamwork that is necessary for comprehensive lifestyle intervention.
The curriculum lays major emphasis on introductory aspects & secondary causes of obesity, with how to approach a patient with obesity strategies. Diet and Lifestyle Modification in Obesity Management, Role of Pharmacotherapy, and Bariatric Surgery in Obesity Management are some of the major topics covered in this course. The course content has been developed by eminent experts in various subdomains. This course is endorsed by the World Obesity Federation, and SCOPE Accredited (4 points).
Announcing the new course, Dr. Sandeep Bhalla - Director, Training PHFI said:
“Obesity affects the quality of life, increases the risk of illness, and raises health-care costs in countries across the world. General practitioners and multidisciplinary support teams can play a crucial role in helping patients achieve sustainable weight loss. To manage, treat, and to prevent the complications of obesity, we need a trained set of doctors who are equipped with the latest advancements and follow the cutting-edge international and national guidelines. At PHFI, we endeavor to help strengthen education, training, and research in Public Health. Training Division at PHFI is implementing 25 capacity building initiatives for Primary Care Physicians and Other Healthcare Personnel across India and many South Asian and African countries in the journey spanning 10 years. So far, we have trained more than 32,000 Healthcare professionals in India and other nations. Through innovative courses that are now internationally recognised, the effort is to scale, translate strengthen the capacity of doctors to tackle the widespread challenges like obesity, ultimately improving the health outcomes of people.”
Adding to this, Dr. A.G. Unnikrishnan, renowned Endocrinologist, and CEO, Chellaram Diabetes Institute, Pune India said:
“Obesity has reached epidemic proportions, to pose a challenge to both developed and developing countries. Primary care physicians (PCPs), particularly those practicing in developing countries, have an important role in the prevention and treatment of obesity and related comorbidities. The Certificate Course in Obesity Prevention and Management (CCOPM), developed jointly by the Chellaram Diabetes Institute (CDI) and Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), aims to empower the PCPs with the necessary knowledge and skills to prevent and manage obesity. In addition to lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery, the treatment of obesity-related comorbidities like sleep apnea, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes requires a specialized approach. CCOPM is an online course, leveraging the benefits of technology to make the course accessible to the participants across laptop/desktop and mobile platforms, and provides flexibility for learning at their own convenient pace.”
Learn more about the course by downloading the brochure below!
SCOPE Accreditation
World Obesity's Clinical Care Committee decided that the further learning value, quality and structure of CCOPM comply with SCOPE principles. This course has been accredited with 4 points which count towards SCOPE Certification.
SCOPE Certification is conferred by the World Obesity Federation and is the internationally recognised standard of excellence in obesity management. SCOPE Certification is awarded to health professionals with obesity management experience who have earned 12 SCOPE points.
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