After completing the existing nutrition course, which has chemistry and biology as pre-requites, California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) undergraduate students will enroll in the new Childhood Obesity and Nutrition in the Immigrant Population course. It is a team-taught course integrating multiple fields to understand and combat childhood obesity and examine the many contributing factors in the continuum from individual to community and larger population groups. Congruent with social contextual theory, the course will provide students an understanding of the personal, cultural and behavioral factors that influences childhood and adult obesity, particularly in the diverse immigrant population. The course will be divided into four modules.

Click here for : HESC 470 Course Syllabus

Module 1

An exploration of the physiological and biological aspects of childhood obesity and nutrition across the youth lifespan from early childhood to adolescence. Develop an understanding of the biological mechanisms and chronic disease risk associated with childhood obesity and evaluate the role of physical activity and proper nutrition education in childhood obesity prevention.

Module 2

An overview of specific issues that influence childhood obesity in Hispanic, Southeast Asian and Pacific Islander populations highlighting the role of social context, including structural factors (schools and the community), culture and behavior on childhood obesity and how social contextual factors in combination with individual psychosocial factors affect eating behaviors and childhood obesity within this population.

Module 3

An overview of specific issues influencing Southeast Asians and Pacific Islander childhood obesity highlighting the role of social context, including structural factors (schools and the community), culture and economics on childhood obesity and how social contextual factors in combination with individual psychosocial factors affect eating behaviors and childhood obesity within this population.

Module 4

A review of effective intervention strategies, including physical activity and nutrition at the community, institutional, school and public policy levels.

*Relevant videos and brief podcasts will also be integrated into the course.