module specification

This module focuses on the food and nutrition issues at the population level and how they relate to chronic disease prevention. It will draw upon the epidemiology of nutrition-related morbidity to examine how local, UK, European, international and global nutrition and obesity policies and strategies are formulated, implemented and evaluated. This will be approached within a context of the global nutrition transition, wider food and public health systems and policies and the political environment. Nutrition and obesity surveillance will be examined ranging from global to local systems, with special reference to the National Child Measurement Programme. The obesogenic environment (with particular reference to the role of the food industry) will be addressed. Health promotion theory, historical and current activities including Change4Life. Fiscal policies to address the obesity epidemic will be evaluated.

This module aims to develop a critical understanding of the rationale for and the formulation, implementation and limitations of food, nutrition and obesity policies, in local, national and international contexts. This content of this module will draw upon prior knowledge and practical experience in basic nutrition science and applied nutrition/public health nutrition.

Epidemiology of nutrition-related diseases – diabetes, hypertension, CHD, cancer. Economics of diet-related morbidity. Integration of evidence base with policy formulation. The nutrition transition. Ethics and consequences of healthy eating advice and behaviour. Historical approach to nutrition and obesity policy, nationally and globally. Governmental and other bodies responsible for nutrition and obesity - DH, PHE, FSA. NICE. The Foresight Report. Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives. Characterizing obesogenic environments using geographical information systems (GIS). Obesity surveillance – local, national, global.  Public Health Observatories. National Child Measurement Programme.
Global food production, food industry and processing. Food security and sustainability. Food waste. Agricultural policies. Reformulation. Public Health Responsibility Deal. Food retailers and consumer-related policy. Food advertising. Psychology of consumer-retailer interaction. Food safety and health claims, including legislation. Food industry contribution to causation and response to obesity (versus personal responsibility). Fiscal policies – eg ‘fat tax’ or ‘sugar tax’. Physical activity policy. Major policy-related agencies, including, WHO, FAO, PHE, SACN, NGO’s, charities, World Obesity, NOF, ASO, NS, WCRF, Food Ethics Council. How these bodies work collectively and individually. Trade organisations including FDF, Sugar Bureau, BNF. Politics of nutrition and obesity. Health promotion and improvement, theory and application, including social marketing, Change4Life, Let’s Move. Nudge strategy.

The module will consist of a programme of lecturer-led lectures (26 hours) and seminars/workshops/tutorials (12 hours). The former will introduce students to the theoretical concepts, whilst the latter will apply these to various cases and practical examples. A proportion of the module will be devoted to tutorial support for the assessment, together with self-directed study time (162 hours).
PDP:  on completion of this module students will evaluate how the module allowed them to develop skills in information technology, organisation and planning, communication, time management; they will also be asked to reflect on their ability to research literature effectively. They should record this in a pro forma that will form the basis of their final PDP record submitted with their dissertation.

On completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Critically evaluate the epidemiological evidence for nutrition-related disease.
2. Interpret, critically appraise and place current food, nutrition and obesity policies within a historical context of public health and politics.
3. Identify and evaluate the statutory and voluntary organisations responsible for food, nutrition and obesity policies and guidelines at local, national and global levels.
4. Critically evaluate obesity surveillance systems including the role of Public Health England (Obesity).
5. Use cutting edge criteria to characterise the obesogenic environment including the role of the food industry.
6. Critically evaluate nutrition and obesity health promotion (health education) strategies and initiatives.

Assessment will be via a time-constrained unseen examination (1.5h) (learning outcomes 1-6) and a 2,000 word case study report (learning outcomes 2, 3). To pass the module, an aggregate mark of at least 50% must be obtained. Understanding of the subject matter; an ability, both orally and written, to explain, describe and discuss the work; completeness and conciseness of written reports and essays with emphasis upon critical ability and scientific rigour.

Cabinet Office, 2008. Food Matters: towards a strategy for the 21st century. London; The Strategy Unit. (core).
Department of Health, 2010.Healthy Lives, Healthy People. London; The Stationary Office. (core).
Department of Health, 2008.Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives: A Cross Government Strategy for England. London; The Stationary Office. (core).
Department of Health, 2007.Foresight - Tackling Obesities - Future Choices. Government Office for Science Foresight Programme. London; The Stationary Office. (core).
Department of Health, 2005.Choosing a Better Diet: a food and health action plan. London; The Stationary office.
International Food Policy Research Institute 2013. 2012 Global Food Policy Report. Washington DC; IFPRI.
World Health Organisation, 2013.Global Nutrition Policy Review. Geneva. WHO Library.
World Health Organisation, 2000.Obesity: preventing and managing the epidemic. WHO technical report series. Geneva; WHO Library.