Author: Stephanie Figon, MS, RDN, LD

Creator of Supplement Sciences and NutriScape.NET. As a dietitian since 1992, Steph has had experiences in consulting, 15 years in clinical, and has operated a private practice nutrition counseling office for since 2011. Log in to comment and save this article on your board or send your comments to reviews@supplement-sciences.com

Task: Insulin Resistance: Transcribe Video into Canva

This video has some great slides.

The task is recreate this as a slide deck in Canva with screenshots of the slides from YouTube and create a Canva presentation using the original screenshots from the video.

  • Name the canva file “Insulin Resistance: Broken Science.”
  • Make screenshots show time stamp
  • Use only shots between timestamps 2:33 and 6:38.
  • Transcribe the audio into the narration notes
  • Hold off and contact Steph for a review before creating our original slides.

Weight Management For Adults

One-Hour YouTube Course

Course Title: Nutrition-Focused Weight Management: Essentials in One Hour


Overview: This 1-hour course provides a focused introduction to weight management through a nutrition lens. It highlights key physiological concepts, practical dietary strategies, and connections between weight and chronic health issues.


SECTION 1: Foundations of Weight Regulation (10 minutes)

  • Why Weight Loss Is Hard: Metabolism, Hormones, and Muscle Mass
  • What Is Set Point Theory?
  • The Impact of Calorie Deficits Over Time
  • Muscle vs. Fat: Why Body Composition Matters

SECTION 2: Nutrition Strategies for Sustainable Weight Loss (15 minutes)

  • High-Protein Foods for Satiety and Muscle Retention
  • The Role of Fiber and Low-Glycemic Eating
  • Nutrient Density vs. Calorie Counting

SECTION 3: Hormones, Behavior, and Common Challenges (15 minutes)

  • Hormonal Influences: Insulin Resistance, Cortisol, and Thyroid
  • Hunger and Satiety Signals: Leptin and Ghrelin
  • How Stress, Sleep, and Cravings Influence Weight
  • Tips for Managing Social Eating and Restaurant Meals

SECTION 4: Chronic Disease Connections (15 minutes)

  • How Weight Affects Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes
  • The Link Between Weight and Heart, Liver, and Joint Health
  • Emotional Eating and Mental Health Considerations

SECTION 5: Why Work with a Dietitian (5 minutes)

  • Commercial Insurance covers 100% of the cost for those with a BMI over 30
  • The Role of Nutrition Counseling in Sustainable Weight Loss
  • When to Seek Personalized Support

Wrap-Up and Key Takeaways

  • Sustainable changes work better than restrictive diets
  • Muscle preservation matters as much as fat loss
  • Weight and chronic health conditions are closely connected
  • Small, consistent changes in diet and lifestyle create long-term success

Extended Course Outline

Course Title: Nutrition-Focused Weight Management for Chronic Disease Prevention

MODULE 1: Core Concepts in Weight Regulation

  • Why Weight Loss Is So Hard: Metabolism, Hormones, and Muscle Explained
  • What Is Set Point Theory and How Does It Affect Your Weight?
  • How a Calorie Deficit Changes Your Body Over Time
  • Muscle vs. Fat: Why Body Composition Matters More Than the Scale

MODULE 2: Nutrition Strategies for Sustainable Weight Loss

  • Best High-Protein Foods for Weight Loss and Muscle Preservation
  • How Dietary Fiber Helps With Weight Loss and Appetite Control
  • Low Glycemic Diet: A Smarter Way to Manage Blood Sugar and Weight
  • Nutrient Density vs. Calories: What Matters Most for Weight Loss?

MODULE 3: Hormonal and Metabolic Influences

  • How Insulin Resistance Makes Weight Loss More Difficult
  • Leptin and Ghrelin: The Hormones That Control Hunger and Fullness
  • Can Stress and High Cortisol Levels Cause Weight Gain?
  • How Thyroid Hormones Affect Weight and Energy Levels

MODULE 4: Medications and Supplementation

  • What Happens to Muscle When You Lose Weight Too Quickly
  • GLP-1 Medications and Weight Loss: What Happens After You Stop?
  • Is Intermittent Fasting Effective and Safe for Weight Loss?
  • NOTE: Supplementation topics to be pulled from Supplement-Sciences articles

MODULE 5: Real-Life Challenges and Behavior Change

  • How to Manage Social Events Without Sabotaging Weight Loss
  • What to Do About Nighttime Cravings: Nutrition Tips That Work
  • How to Eat Out Without Overeating: A Guide for Weight Loss
  • Why Sleep and Daily Movement Help Regulate Body Weight

MODULE 6: Controversies and Trends

  • Do Detox Diets Really Help With Weight Loss?
  • Is Starvation Mode Real or Just a Myth?
  • Can Certain Foods Actually Boost Your Metabolism?
  • Are Artificial Sweeteners Good or Bad for Weight Control?

MODULE 7: Diet Patterns and Their Effects on Weight

  • Mediterranean vs. DASH vs. Keto: Which Diet Works Best for Weight Loss?
  • Can a Plant-Based Diet Help With Weight Loss and Inflammation?
  • Low-Carb vs. Low-Fat: Which Diet Is More Effective for Fat Loss?
  • Comparing Whole30, Paleo, and Anti-Inflammatory Diets for Weight Control

MODULE 8: Gut Health and Weight

  • How Gut Bacteria Influence Weight Gain and Weight Loss
  • Do Probiotics Help With Weight Management?
  • What Is Leaky Gut and How Does It Affect Body Fat?

MODULE 9: Functional Testing and Personalized Nutrition

  • Using HOMA-IR to Personalize Weight Loss Plans
  • What Your Lab Results Can Tell You About Weight Struggles
  • Can Genetic Testing Help You Lose Weight More Effectively?

MODULE 10: Weight Maintenance and Relapse Prevention

  • Why It’s Easy to Regain Weight After Dieting—and How to Prevent It
  • Healthy Habits That Help You Maintain Long-Term Weight Loss
  • What Is Mindful Eating and How Can It Help Prevent Weight Regain?
  • How Creating a Routine Helps You Keep Weight Off

MODULE 11: Nutritional Gaps During Weight Loss

  • Common Nutrient Deficiencies During Calorie Restriction
  • How to Protect Muscle While Losing Fat
  • Do You Need Supplements During a Weight Loss Plan?

MODULE 12: Life Stages and Special Considerations

  • Why Weight Management Changes After Menopause
  • Best Nutrition Tips for Middle-Aged Adults Managing Weight
  • How to Support Weight Loss With PCOS or Thyroid Conditions

MODULE 13: Integrating Nutrition with Medical Care

  • When to Work With a Dietitian for Weight Management
  • How Dietitians Support People Using GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs
  • Nutrition Tips to Support Blood Pressure and Weight Loss Together

MODULE 14: Weight Loss and Chronic Health Problems: Nutrition Strategies That Matter

Weight and Insulin Resistance

  • How Excess Weight Contributes to Insulin Resistance
  • Why Losing Weight Can Improve Fasting Insulin and HOMA-IR Scores
  • How to Lower Insulin Resistance Through Diet and Weight Loss
  • What to Eat When You’re Trying to Reverse Insulin Resistance

Weight and Type 2 Diabetes

  • How Weight Loss Helps Prevent or Reverse Type 2 Diabetes
  • Best Diet Approaches for Weight Loss in People With Diabetes
  • Blood Sugar Spikes and Fat Storage: How They’re Connected
  • Understanding the Diabetes–Obesity Link: What Nutrition Can Change

Weight and Cardiovascular Health

  • Why Losing Weight Lowers Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
  • How Visceral Fat Increases Cardiovascular Risk
  • Weight Loss and Triglycerides: How to Lower Your Risk
  • Heart-Healthy Weight Loss Plans That Work

Weight and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

  • How Weight Loss Can Reverse Fatty Liver
  • Best Nutrition Strategies for Weight Loss With NAFLD
  • What to Avoid in Your Diet if You Have Fatty Liver and Want to Lose Weight

Weight and Hormonal Health

  • How PCOS and Insulin Resistance Affect Weight
  • Best Weight Loss Diets for People With PCOS
  • Thyroid and Weight Gain: What Nutrition Can—and Can’t—Fix
  • Managing Weight With Hashimoto’s or Hypothyroidism

Weight and Inflammation

  • How Body Fat Contributes to Chronic Inflammation
  • Anti-Inflammatory Diets That Also Support Weight Loss
  • What CRP and Other Inflammatory Markers Tell You About Metabolic Health

Weight and Joint Pain

  • How Losing Weight Can Reduce Pressure on Joints
  • Nutrition Tips for Managing Weight With Osteoarthritis
  • Why Muscle Strength and Body Composition Matter for Joint Health

Weight and Digestive Disorders

  • How Weight Loss Affects GERD and Bloating
  • Best Diet Changes for People With IBS and Excess Weight
  • Low-FODMAP Diet and Weight Management: What to Consider

Weight and Sleep Disorders

  • The Link Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Excess Weight
  • How Weight Loss Can Improve Sleep Quality and Energy
  • How Sleep Affects Appetite, Cravings, and Weight Gain

Weight and Cancer Risk

  • How Excess Weight Increases the Risk of Certain Cancers
  • Diet and Weight Loss for Lowering Breast and Colorectal Cancer Risk
  • Why Body Composition May Matter More Than BMI in Cancer Prevention

Weight and Mental Health

  • How Emotional Eating Affects Weight and Mood
  • The Connection Between Depression, Appetite, and Weight Gain
  • How Structured Nutrition Supports Mental and Physical Health Together

Integrated and Preventive Care

  • When to Involve a Dietitian in Managing Chronic Health Conditions
  • How Nutrition Therapy Supports Long-Term Disease Prevention
  • Weight Loss as a Tool for Chronic Disease Management: What Works Best

Course List Ideas

Bold are priority

  • Diabetes: Type 1
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Metabolic Syndrome
  • Diabetes: Type 2
  • Diabetes: Gestational
  • Diabetes: PreDiabetes
  • Disordered Eating
  • Disordered Eating: Anorexia
  • Disordered Eating: Binge Eating
  • Disordered Eating: Bulimia
  • Gout
    • Diarrhea
    • Constipation
    • Vomiting
  • Weight Management for Adults
  • Weight Management for Kids and Teens
  • Bariatric Surgery preparation and follow-up
  • Malnutrition and/or Underweight
  • Pediatric Nutrition
    • Why Breastfeeding is Best
    • First Foods
    • Toddler Feeding
  • Food Allergies and Intolerances
  • Nutrition in Cancer Treatment- problem-focused
  • Nutrition in Cancer Prevention and Recovery
  • NAFLD
  • Autism
  • ADHD
  • Gout
  • PCOS
  • Menopause
  • Kidney Stones
  • Renal Failure
  • Anorexia
  • Bulimia
  • Binge Eating Disorder
  • Wounds
  • Reactive Hypoglycemia
  • Sports Nutrition
  • Nutrition in Pregnancy
  • Geriatric Nutrition
  • GERD
  • Gut Health
  • Allergies & Intolerances
  • Celiac & Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity
  • IBS and FODMaPs Diet
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation

Audiences for NutriScape Courses

Whatever audience you are writing for, you will be able to have your course placed prominently within the NutriScape.NET or RDNutriScape.NET content for that category where user traffic will be able to discover your course.

Professionals

Career Resources -Counseling Resources -CEU -Clinical Tools & Guidelines -Dietary Supplements –Nutrient Physiology -Medications and Nutrition Care -Mental Health Nutrition -Nutrition Research Studies -Policy & Regulatory Issues

Medical Conditions -Allergy -Anemia -Cancer -Cardiovascular -Diabetes -Eating Disorders -GI Conditions -Nutrient Deficiencies -Pediatric Conditions -Renal -Sports & Physical Activity -Weight Management -Wounds & Surgery

Practice Settings -Authors -Clinical -Consulting -Corporate Wellness -Counseling -Foodservice -LTC & Rehab -Nutrition Office –New Business Issues -Public Health -Students and Interns

Consumers

Cooking -Cardiovascular -Weight Management -GI -AntiInflammatory

Life Stages -Adult -Babies -Elderly -Kids -Menopause -Pregnancy & Preconception -Teens -Toddlers & Preschoolers

Medical Conditions -Allergy -Peanut Allergy -Anemia -Bone & Joint Health –Arthritis -Cancer –Cancer Prevention –Cancer Treatment -Diabetes –Gestational Diabetes –Pre-Diabetes –Type 1 Diabetes — Type Diabetes -Digestive Problems –Constipation –Crohns and Colitis –Diarrhea –GERD Reflux –Gluten Related GI Problems —Celiac Disease —Gluten Intolerance –Irritable Bowl Syndrome IBS –Lactose Intolerance –Malabsorption –Pancreatitis –Swallowing –Vomiting -Eating Disorders –Anorexia –Binge Eating Disorder –Bulimia -Headache -Heart Health –Cholesterol –Heart Disease –High Blood Pressure –Stroke -Kidney Health –Dialysis –Early Kidney Failure –Kidney Failure –Kidney Stones -Liver Disease -Low Blood Sugar -Microbiota -Nutrition Support –Intravenous Feeding –Tube Feeding -Pain -PCOS -Surgery and Healing -Weight Management –Bariatric Surgery –Excess Weight

Nutrients & Foods -Alcohol -Cannabis -Carbohydrate –Sugar -Diets –Vegetarian -Fat -Fiber -Hydration -Minerals -Protein -Recipes -Sodium -Supplements -Vitamins -Dental -Mental Health -Microbiome -Physical Activity -Sleep  

Insulin Resistance

Audience Persona

Our intended target audience is a highly educated consumer who has no prior knowledge of nutrition in general or of the specific topics. As such, they would need every word/concept to be defined for the first time using extensive graphs and illustrations.

Depth of Information

For each topic, we plan to have 2 Courses: A one hour course, and a deep dive course:

  • One-hour initial courses: will record the 1-hour courses to be published on YouTube.
    • Repurposing For Other Platforms: Hopefully, there will be clips of 30-90 seconds that can be published on FB/IG/YouTube Short/Twitter
    • PDF Presentations for download: Publish PDF for Dietitian Use
  • Deep Dive Courses: These will have multiple modules and are
    • The deep dive course will be based on the second outline below. (below the separator)
    • These are meant to be marketed on Nutriscape for those who want the most detailed explanation possible.
    • Each topic will be covered in maximum detail with separate slides for every point we make.
    • Ultimately, we want to attempt to convey all the relevant concepts having to do with the topic.
    • This may take many modules.
    • Every concept to be defined for the first time using extensive graphs and illustrations.

Collaboration: Please send a Pumble message to #courses-canva containing the public sharing Canva URL every few hours as you work on the slides. Include the slide number you are working on.

Branding and Structure:

  • Refer to the branding document.
  • Copy and Save the Canva Design/Branding Slide Template.
    • Rename this copied Canva file as “Course: [Topic Name]: 1Hr”
    • Use this name on the title slide
  • Transitions: between slides will be a 1-second fade transition.
  • The number of words on each slide need to be limited so they are not trying to read it while the instructor is explaining the concept

Instructions: This is the first draft of an outline designed to be turned into an online course. ChatGPT should be able to create the scripts.

One-Hour Course Outline:

📘 Course Modules: Nutrition and Insulin Resistance


Section 1: Foundations of Insulin Resistance

  • What Is Insulin Resistance and Why It Matters
  • The Natural History of Type 2 Diabetes
  • The Physiology of Insulin: Storage, Uptake, and Signaling
  • How the Body Becomes Insulin Resistant: Cellular and Systemic Mechanisms
  • The Roles of Muscle, Liver, and Fat in Glucose Metabolism

Section 2: What Drives Insulin Resistance?

  • Nutritional Triggers and Dietary Patterns
  • Inflammation, Mitochondrial Function, and Oxidative Stress
  • Hormones, Stress, and Cortisol
  • Sleep Deprivation and Circadian Disruption

Section 3: Testing and Tracking Your Metabolic Health

  • Key Labs: Fasting Glucose, Insulin, A1C, HOMA-IR
  • Understanding CGMs: Glucose Patterns and What They Mean
  • Interpreting Lipids, hsCRP, and Other Related Markers
  • How to Monitor Progress Over Time

Section 4: Nutrition Interventions That Work

  • Carbohydrates: Quality vs. Quantity
  • The Role of Fiber, Protein, and Healthy Fats
  • Low Glycemic Eating and Blood Sugar Stability
  • Time-Restricted Eating and Intermittent Fasting

Section 5: Lifestyle Approaches for Better Insulin Sensitivity

  • The Science of Exercise: Strength Training vs. Cardio
  • Why Sleep Timing and Quality Matter
  • Stress Reduction Techniques That Support Metabolic Health
  • Meal Timing and Chrononutrition Principles

Section 6: Insulin Resistance in Specific Conditions

  • Insulin Resistance and PCOS: Nutrition Considerations for Women
  • Preventing and Managing Type 2 Diabetes
  • Metabolic Syndrome: Understanding the Cluster
    • What Is Metabolic Syndrome?
    • The Five Diagnostic Criteria: Abdominal Obesity, High Triglycerides, Low HDL, High Blood Pressure, and Elevated Fasting Glucose
    • How Metabolic Syndrome Increases Risk for Cardiovascular Disease and Type 2 Diabetes
    • Nutrition and Lifestyle Strategies for Reversing the Cluster
  • The Link Between Insulin Resistance and Cognitive Health

Section 7: Long-Term Strategies and Personalized Planning

  • Using Data to Guide Behavior Change: CGM
  • Navigating Social Situations and Barriers
  • When to Seek Support: Working With a Dietitian or Medical Provider


Expanded Outline For The Deep Dive Course:

Module 1: Foundations of Insulin Resistance

  • What Is Insulin Resistance and Why It Matters
    • The Natural History of Type 2 diabetes (Draft this and Ask steph for resources on this)
  • The Physiology of Insulin: Storage, Uptake, and Signaling
  • Insulin Receptors and Cellular Signaling Pathways
  • How the Body Becomes Insulin Resistant: Cellular and Systemic Mechanisms
  • The Roles of Muscle, Liver, and Fat in Glucose Metabolism
    • The role of Muscle in Glucose metabolism
    • The Role of the Liver in Glucose Metabolism
    • The Roles of Fat in Glucose Metabolism
  • Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Energy Regulation
  • Lipotoxicity and Its Impact on Insulin Action
    • Avoiding Seed Oils
  • The Interplay Between Insulin and Glucagon


Module 2: What Drives Insulin Resistance?

  • Nutritional Triggers and Dietary Patterns
  • Hidden Sugars and Glycemic Load in Processed Foods
  • Understanding Fructose and Its Impact on the Liver
  • Inflammation, Mitochondrial Function, and Oxidative Stress
  • Hormones, Stress, and Cortisol
  • Sleep Deprivation and Circadian Disruption
  • Sex Differences in Insulin Resistance and Fat Storage
  • Ethnic and Genetic Influences on Risk and Presentation


Module 3: Testing and Tracking Your Metabolic Health

  • Key Labs: Fasting Glucose, Insulin, A1C, HOMA-IR
  • Understanding CGMs: Glucose Patterns and What They Mean
  • Interpreting Lipids, hsCRP, and Other Related Markers
  • Diagnostic Limitations: Why Normal Labs May Not Rule It Out
  • How to Monitor Progress Over Time
  • Using Wearable Devices to Track Glucose, Sleep, and Movement


Module 4: Nutrition Principles That Work

  • Carbohydrates: Quality vs. Quantity
  • The Role of Fiber, Protein, and Healthy Fats
  • Low Glycemic Eating and Blood Sugar Stability
  • Nutritional Myths Around Carbs and Fats in Insulin Resistance
  • Time-Restricted Eating and Intermittent Fasting
  • Micronutrients That Influence Insulin Sensitivity
  • Supplementation: Inositol, Berberine, and Other Tools

Module 5: Lifestyle Approaches for Better Insulin Sensitivity

  • The Science of Exercise: Strength Training vs. Cardio
  • Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT)
  • Why Sleep Timing and Quality Matter
  • Stress Reduction Techniques That Support Metabolic Health
  • Meal Timing and Chrononutrition Principles
  • Glycemic Response Variability Among Individuals
  • Travel, Shift Work, and Disrupted Glucose Rhythms


Module 6: Insulin Resistance in Specific Conditions

  • Insulin Resistance and PCOS: Nutrition Considerations for Women
  • Preventing and Managing Type 2 Diabetes
  • Pediatric and Adolescent Insulin Resistance
  • Metabolic Syndrome: Understanding the Cluster
  • The Link Between Insulin Resistance and Cognitive Health
  • Insulin Resistance and Reproductive Health Beyond PCOS
  • Insulin Resistance and Cancer Risk

Module 7: Long-Term Strategies and Personalized Planning

  • Food Cravings and Insulin-Driven Hunger
  • The Dopamine-Insulin Connection and Reward-Based Eating
  • Emotional Eating and Blood Sugar Fluctuations
  • Building a Sustainable Nutrition Plan
  • Using Data to Guide Behavior Change
    • CGM
    • Food Tracking
    • Heart Rate Variability and it’s relationship with stress
  • Building Lasting Habits That Improve Glycemic Patterns
  • Navigating Social Situations and Barriers
  • Personalized Nutrition and Metabolic Typing
  • When to Seek Support: Working With a Dietitian or Medical Provider


Module 8: Future Directions and Emerging Science

  • The Gut Microbiome’s Role in Insulin Sensitivity
  • Controversies in Diagnosing Metabolic Syndrome
  • Emerging Therapies and Tools in Insulin Resistance