Accreditation

Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Villanova University Fitzpatrick College of Nursing MacDonald Center for Nutrition Education and Research provides Continuing Professional Education in accordance with the Prior Approval Program of the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

Non-Endorsement Statements

Accredited status does not imply endorsement by Villanova University or ANCC of any commercial products displayed or used with an activity.

Prior Approval of a continuing professional education activity does not constitute endorsement by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

Consensus Statement on Obesity as a Disease 

Obesity is a highly prevalent chronic disease characterized by excessive fat accumulation or distribution that presents a risk to health and requires lifelong care. Virtually every system in the body is affected by obesity. Major chronic diseases associated with obesity include diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

The body mass index (weight in kg/height in meters2) is used to screen for obesity, but it does not displace clinical judgment. BMI is not a measure of body fat. Social determinants, race, ethnicity, and age may modify the risk associated with a given BMI.

Bias and stigmatization directed at people with obesity contributes to poor health and impairs treatment.

Every person with obesity should have access to evidence-based treatment.