Abstract:

Introduction:
Ultimately, we observe an increased frequency of overweight and obesity: in the European region, 60 % of the adult population and 28 % of the children are concerned. Therefore, overweight and obesity can be qualified as an epidemic or even as a pandemic. Medical complications of overweight and obesity include: type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular events, chronic paravertebral pain, obstructive sleep apnea, oncologic diseases, depression and anxiety, and increasing mortality. Consequently, overweight and obesity are serious problems of public health, and prevention is mandatory.
Numerous studies have been in the field, and many references exist. The recommendations of the European Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine prescribe a multi-professional and multi-disciplinary approach, including regular physical activity, aerobic exercises, diet, patient education, behavior therapy, in severe cases – pharmaceuticals and bariatric surgery.
Consequently, we included an electronic module on this topic in the educational plans and programs of our students and trainees (professional fields of Medicine, Public Health and Health Care).

Methodology:
Our goal was to introduce an educational course "Physical prevention and rehabilitation of the obesity".
We structured educational materials on the basic themes. We incorporated the principal signs and symptoms of the condition and its complications, etiology and pathogenesis, prevention and therapy. We emphasized physical prevention and rehabilitation methods: physical therapy, ergotherapy, balneotherapy, thalassotherapy. Special attention was paid to some modern devices, applying a combination of preformed physical modalities, as LPG-endermology, Vela-Shape, Onda, etc. We explained the mechanisms of action of different techniques: exercises for abdominal muscles, underwater gymnastics, anti-cellulite massage, ultrasound cavitation, laser-therapy, and high-frequency electric currents.
We prepared PC-based tests for the assessment of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. We made an evaluation of the level of competencies of students and trainees: physiotherapists, ergo-therapists, and medical doctors during the specialization in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine.
We also tested the level of satisfaction of learners.

Results:
The qualitative and quantitative analysis of results demonstrated significant amelioration of competencies of students and trainees of the group of e-learning. The level of satisfaction of responders was significant.
Conclusion:
We consider that the introduction of education in the field of physical prevention of complications of obesity is important for the quality of life and the public health.

Keywords:

Overweight, obesity, physical prevention, public health.