Obesity and Medicines

Cover image for: Obesity and Medicines
CPDTime.
40m
Updated 25 Feb 2025 Certificate2,445 Ratings

Why do some medicines lead to weight gain while others support weight loss? This Ausmed Course equips nurses and other healthcare professionals with essential knowledge about obesity, common comorbidities and the impact of various medications. Gain practical insights to minimise risk, optimise patient outcomes, and confidently support those affected by weight-related challenges.

Content

6 Units • 14 Questions
Pre-reflection
1 Question
Introduction
2m
Pretest
3 Questions
Obesity in Australia
1 Question
4m
Disease States Affected by Obesity
2 Questions
7m
Medicines That May Cause Weight Increase
4 Questions
8m
Strategies for Weight Reduction
2 Questions
13m
Conclusion
1m
Post-reflection
1 Question

What you'll learn:

1

Identify the prevalence of the obesity epidemic in Australia in order to enhance delivery of sensitive and appropriate care.

2

Correlate obesity with co-morbid conditions to improve patient outcomes through the implementation of weight reduction strategies.

3

Use your understanding of specific medicines that cause weight gain in order to improve patient’s quality of life by managing the side effects of these medicines.

4

Link therapies for weight reduction with education strategies to improve patient outcomes through effective weight management.

Who it's for:

Healthcare professionals who work with patients with weight-related diseases or who routinely administer medicines that can cause weight gain.

Why it's needed:

Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, some musculoskeletal conditions and some cancers. As the level of excess weight increases, so too does the risk of developing these conditions. In addition, being overweight can hamper the ability to control or manage chronic disorders.

Medicines can contribute to both weight reduction and weight gain. Greater awareness of medicines that adversely affect a healthy weight – especially those used in prevalent comorbid conditions – will assist nurses to implement weight management strategies and better educate patients to manage the side effects of these medicines.

Purpose:

To provide education for nurses to understand the pathogenesis of obesity and how medications can contribute to this condition in order to minimise risk and assist patients to obtain and maintain optimum health.

Topics

For Teams
Assign to your staff

Assign mandatory training and keep all your records in-one-place.

Find out more
Peer reviewed by
Content Integrity
Ausmed strives for the highest level of content integrity and accuracy in our educational resources.
Last updated25 Feb 2025

Published21 May 2019

Due for review26 Feb 2026
Disclaimer
Disclosure
Usage
Cite this resource

Recommended resources

Image for What is a Stoma?
What is a Stoma?
CPDTime.resource
10m
Lecture
Image for Workplace Incivility: Not Taking it Personally
Workplace Incivility: Not Taking it Personally
CPDTime.resource
1h 7m
Lecture
Image for Which Stoma Appliance and When?
Which Stoma Appliance and When?
CPDTime.resource
32m
Lecture
Image for Creams and Ointments
Creams and Ointments
CPDTime.resource
40m
Lecture
Image for Medicines and Crushing
Medicines and Crushing
CPDTime.resource
37m
Lecture
Image for Customer Service When it's a Busy Day
Customer Service When it's a Busy Day
CPDTime.resource
25m
Lecture
Image for Dizziness and Medications
Dizziness and Medications
CPDTime.resource
35m
Lecture
Image for Drug Diversion in the Workplace
Drug Diversion in the Workplace
CPDTime.resource
42m
Lecture
Image for How to Use Asthma and COPD Devices: Overview
How to Use Asthma and COPD Devices: Overview
CPDTime.resource
11m
Lecture
Image for Medicines Used in Parkinson's Disease
Medicines Used in Parkinson's Disease
CPDTime.resource
32m
Lecture