Master of Science in Obesity and Weight Management University of Chester - Exton Park (Parkgate Road), UK

Overweight and obesity have been associated with physiological and psychological ill health and a number of links have been demonstrated for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cancers, polycystic ovary syndrome and depression. During the Covid-19 crisis there have also been emerging links between excess weight, obesity and the risk and severity of the infection.

Personal costs of overweight and obesity, but also costs to the health and wider economy, are substantial and growing on an annual basis. The management of excess weight and prevention of obesity is therefore an important tool in the kit of improving public health with diet, nutrition, exercise and behaviour change techniques. Students will also develop an increasing awareness of societal perspectives on obesity and weight management strategies and policies.

This course provides advanced-level education, continuous professional development and training for those already holding or seeking roles in obesity prevention, weight management, health promotion, public health and related areas. Topics covered in the programme include latest developments in public health and obesity prevention strategies, diet and nutrition, exercise, psychology and behaviour change, and research methods. We also include a number of practical and problem-based sessions in our teaching and assessments to give students hands-on experience in assessing body composition (anthropometrics), dietary intake and physical activity, devising and analysing recipes and meal plans and delivering weight management consultations.

Our students conduct their own Master's research project under the guidance of experienced and competent personal supervisors. These projects can where possible be conducted internationally or within a student’s workplace.

In addition to this we involve our students in wider events and opportunities at the university where possible to enhance the student experience and support them with gaining a wider range of transferable skills. This includes blog posts such as https://www1.chester.ac.uk/bryn%E2%80%99s-story-five-reasons-study-msc-obesity-and-weight-management-owm