Unpacking Weight Science Pod-Course Episode 8

'Theoretical vs Actual Weight Change'


In this episode I compare and contrast what our mathematical formulas about energy requirements and weight loss say should be possible (ie the theoretical) versus what actually happens in real life. I also talk about the history of this energy requirement belief system, who continues to use it and why.

Learning Outcomes

Develop familiarity with the equations used to determine energy requirements, their utility and margins of error

Understand the historical context of energy deficits to elicit human weight loss

Recognise the features of literature and sources which use a theoretical basis vs an evidentiary basis to claim weight loss success


How does the Unpacking Weight Science Pod-Course work as Professional Development?

Each pod-course (podcast-based course) is designed with the continuing professional development of health professionals in mind. Many of the Unpacking Weight Science podcast episodes that the pod-course materials are based around are also available on iTunes, YouTube and Spotify. However, this course is where you can turn them into assessed professional development with a Certificate of Completion.

Listening time is 20-30 minutes per episode. Reading the supporting materials and taking the quiz should take a further 30-40 minutes. This means you'll gain about an hour of assessed professional development from this course. You will have 12 months from your date of enrolment to complete the course.


Course Curriculum


  About this Course
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  Learning Materials
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  Assess your knowledge and skills
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Choose a Pricing Option

This Pod Course is also available in Bundle 2 with Pod Courses 7-12 for $45AUD (great value!)

Bundles can be found below.

About the course developer,

Dr Fiona Willer, AdvAPD, PhD


How do you know that I know what I'm doing with professional development materials? I've been a university lecturer for 15 years, have facilitated professional development workshops for health professionals for 10 years and am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). My professional development business, Health Not Diets, is a recognised provider of employment-related training by the Queensland Department of Education and Training. I'm also an Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian (AdvAPD) with Dietitians Australia so you can be sure that I really know my stuff.