Pharmacotherapy and Surgery

This course will give an overview of the pharmacological and surgical treatment of obesity. Different pharmacological treatments will be compared in terms of their mechanism of action, indications/contra-indications, effectiveness and potential side effects. It will discuss the role of pharmacotherapy as a single intervention and together with conservative treatment on weight loss and weight loss maintenance. Future directions in pharmacological treatment will also be discussed.
The rational for the use of surgery will be discussed and different bariatric procedures compared in terms of mechanisms of action, indications/contra-indications, effectiveness and potential complications. The important role of follow up after surgery will be discussed and how this should be addressed from a medical, nutritional, behavioral and physical activity perspective.

After completing the course KLH3104 the student:
- has knowledge of which level of treatment the patient needs
- is able to see whether the patient will benefit from pharmacotherapy
- can inform about the possibilities in pharmacotherapy
- can detect whether the patient has any side effects of the medication
- can determine whether the patient is a candidate for surgical treatment
- have an insight into how patients are to be followed up after surgery
- can lead group treatments or follow-up courses after surgery

Lectures and guidance. Attendance on lectures are compulsory. In re-scheduled examinations, new assessment, or few registered students, the assessment form may be changed to an oral examination. The course may be cancelled if too few students register for examination.