Table 3.

Themes for open-ended Question #1 with supporting statements

What could be included in a graduate or undergraduate curriculum to increase your expertise and confidence in obesity management?
Offer education on specific aspects of obesity management “Focus on evidence-based diets with a variety of options to meet individualized needs.” “I have attended CE courses where each ‘diet’ or dietary lifestyle was reviewed for effectiveness, but it focused on adult lifestyles rather than pediatric….” “Clear instruction on evidence-based medication options.” “Clinical time in bariatric facilities or outpatient weight management programs.” “Dietary management.” “Discuss pharmaceutical obesity treatment.” “Discuss psychological component of obesity counseling.” “How exercise programs can be tailored based on age, health, and nutritional education.” “Nutrition and exercise planning for specific populations.” “Cognitive behavioral therapy training and classes on motivational interviewing.” “Nutrition education, how to set caloric goals and different diet options.”
Increase education on general obesity management “How to broach the subject of weight loss.” “A clinical based solely on obesity-management.” “A lesson specifically designed to address obesity and how to teach patients effectively.” “A specific unit related to obesity management just like managing any other chronic disease.” “Clinical practices and case studies.” “Education on current guidelines.” “Assignments specifically related to obesity management.” “Obesity management deserves its own class.” “Specific courses within primary care programs or a subspecialty certificate, such as that already exists for cardiology, etc.” “Specific lessons on obesity management.”
Education on population-specific obesity management “Algorithm very detailed for pediatric obesity management at each great group would be a great tool to have walked out of NP school with.” “A focus on evidence-based diets with a variety of options to meet individualized needs.” “I have attended CE courses where each ‘diet’ or dietary lifestyle was reviewed for effectiveness, but it focused on adult lifestyles rather than pediatric lifestyle modification.” “How exercise programs can be tailored based on age, health, and nutritional education.” “Nutrition and exercise planning for specific populations.”