Lifestyle behaviors including diet, physical inactivity, alcohol abuse, and tobacco use have been linked to increased risk of leading causes of death and chronic diseases. The challenge of reversing the obesity epidemic in the US and beyond has highlighted the need for new ways to teach complex skill sets which effectively target lifestyle behaviors, particularly diet and physical activity. However, most health professionals, with the exception of registered dieticians, have little or no training in the science of nutrition, diet and physical activity. Moreover, health professionals lack training in facilitating behavior change. Many, in fact, do not engage in nutrition counseling at all.

In recognition of this need, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has made recommendations to include counseling on lifestyle behaviors in clinical practice settings as a means to implement the Affordable Care Act. In addition, The American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) along with the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) has established a credentialing protocol which includes an exam for practitioners to become specialty trained in obesity management. The Institute of Human Nutrition of Columbia University is an ABOM Partner Organization and will now offer their long-standing obesity course to prepare physicians for the ABOM exam, and provide CME credits to help practitioners meet the requirements to become a Diplomate of the ABOM.

At the conclusion of this program, participants will be better able to:
• Discuss the role of nutrition in health and human disease as it relates to obesity management.
• Use nutrition counseling skills to help patients improve their diet.
• Use behavior counseling skills to help patients engage in healthy behaviors.
• Apply exercise counseling strategies which can be conveyed to patients.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

AMA Credit Designation Statement
The College of Physicians and Surgeons designates this live activity for a maximum of 36.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits^TM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

A block of rooms has been reserved at the Lucerne, at the special rate of $280 per night, plus state & local taxes. These special room rates are available to the course attendees from April 21 - 27, 2015. Other rates and conditions may apply. Additional information can be obtained by calling the Lucerne directly.

Reservations must be made directly with the Lucerne. To receive this room rate remember to mention that you are a registrant of the Columbia University group #190202.

Rooms will be held until March 21, 2015 or until the room block has been exhausted, whichever comes first. Reservations received after the cut-off date are subject to availability and prevailing rates.

The Lucerne
201 West 79th Street
New York, NY 10024
(800) 492-8122
(212) 875-1000
Cut-Off: March 21, 2015