GLP-1 Medication Support Course for Fitness Professionals

via Coursera

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Details

Go to class

Provider

Coursera
Pricing

Paid Course
Languages

English
Certificate

Certificate Available
Effort

14 hours 52 minutes
Sessions

Self-Paced
Level

Beginner
Subtitles

English

Found in

Overview

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Empower your practice to support clients using GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic® and Wegovy® with this 100% online, self-paced training. Designed for fitness and wellness professionals, the course provides practical strategies to confidently guide clients through the physical, behavioral, and emotional changes that accompany GLP-1-supported weight loss. You’ll explore how GLP-1s work in the body, learn to adapt exercise and nutrition plans for common side effects, develop effective communication skills for collaborating with healthcare providers, and build long-term wellness habits that extend beyond medication use. Ideal for personal trainers, health coaches, yoga instructors, and wellness professionals looking to stand out in a rapidly evolving niche, this program offers six Continuing Education Units (CEUs), video lessons, case studies, toolkits, and an open-book final exam.

Syllabus

Module 1: Foundational Understanding of GLP-1 Medications

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have emerged as powerful adjuncts in treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. As a fitness or coaching professional, understanding how these medications work and their effects on the body is crucial. This module covers the basics of GLP-1 biology, how GLP-1 agonist drugs promote weight loss, and the common side effects (from mild nausea to rare complications) that clients may experience. Personal trainers and health coaches are increasingly likely to work with clients on these medications, given the growing use of GLP-1 therapies in weight management. By the end of this module, you should be able to explain GLP-1 agonists in simple terms, describe their role in weight loss, and recognize potential side effects to help clients navigate their health journey safely.

Module 2: Professional Collaboration in GLP-1 Treatment

Personal trainers and health coaches are key players in a client’s weight loss journey. When that journey involves medical treatments like GLP-1 agonists, it becomes a team effort. In this module, we discuss how fitness and wellness professionals can effectively collaborate with healthcare providers and support clients under medical supervision for weight loss. Clear communication is essential—not just for helping clients understand complex medical information, but also for sharing important observations with the healthcare team. It’s equally important for trainers and health coaches to know their scope of practice and recognize when it’s time to refer a client to a licensed medical professional. By the end of this module, you'll understand how to stay within your professional scope while actively contributing to a client’s success. You will learn to collaborate effectively with other health professionals to support optimal client outcomes—honoring your scope of practice by avoiding medical advice, while delivering significant value through lifestyle coaching, behavioral support, and compassionate guidance

Module 3: Behavioral and Emotional Support Strategies

Significant weight loss—whether achieved through lifestyle changes, surgery, or medications such as GLP-1s—can bring about profound psychological and emotional shifts for clients. As their bodies change, so too can their identities, relationships, and everyday behaviors. Personal trainers and health coaches can serve as trusted guides and sources of motivation. This module explores the mental and emotional dimensions of weight loss. We will examine common psychological changes clients may experience during and after weight loss, including shifts in self-identity, body image, emotional regulation, eating behaviors, and interpersonal dynamics. You will learn coaching strategies that support long-term behavior change with empathy and self-compassion at the foundation. We will also cover how to recognize potential signs of disordered eating or extreme dietary restriction within your professional scope and when to refer clients to licensed mental health providers. The goal of this module is to prepare you to support the whole person, addressing not only their physical transformation but also their emotional well-being, to promote sustainable and healthy lifestyle habits.

Module 4: Training Considerations for GLP-1 Users

Exercise remains a cornerstone of health for clients on GLP-1 medications, but trainers and health coaches may need to make thoughtful adjustments in programming. This module focuses on tailoring exercise plans to accommodate the side effects and energy levels of clients using GLP-1 receptor agonists. We discuss how to assess a client’s readiness for exercise, recognizing signs of under-fueling or low energy availability that might require program modifications. We also cover tactics for modifying workouts in the face of common side effects like nausea, dizziness, or fatigue – ensuring that clients stay safe and comfortable while being active. Additionally, we explore progression strategies to help clients rebuild any lost muscle mass, improve their cardiovascular fitness, and regain confidence in their movement capabilities. The aim is to integrate exercise in a way that complements the medication’s effects and sets the stage for long-term metabolic health.

Module 5: Personalized Program Design

Every client’s journey is unique—especially those using GLP-1 medications. Their needs may shift quickly, and their past relationship with exercise could range from enthusiastic to avoidant. That’s why this module is all about integration and personalization. In Module 5, we’ll take the core concepts from earlier lessons and show you how to synthesize them into a comprehensive, customized fitness program. You’ll learn how to meet clients where they are—whether they’re deconditioned, experiencing muscle loss, or feeling hesitant about movement—and guide them toward long-term physical and emotional success. This module emphasizes a balanced approach: Functional movement Strength training Cardiovascular conditioning Recovery and regeneration Plus: holistic lifestyle coaching strategies that amplify results We’ll also explore coaching strategies for sleep, stress management, hydration, everyday movement, and nutrition—within your scope of practice—to complement the fitness program and support sustainable well-being.

Module 6: Long-Term Support and Maintenance

The final—and often most challenging—phase of the weight loss journey is maintenance. In Module 6, we shift our focus to long-term support strategies that help clients sustain their health and lifestyle changes, especially as they transition off GLP-1 medications or move beyond the initial weight loss phase. This module will prepare you to: Prevent common pitfalls like weight regain; Adjust training and coaching approaches when clients discontinue medication Foster autonomy so clients can maintain progress without ongoing reliance on external tools We’ll explore how your role as a coach or trainer evolves over time—from an active guide to a trusted partner who reinforces self-efficacy, healthy routines, and long-term motivation. You’ll learn to support clients not just in reaching their goals, but in owning and sustaining them. By the end of this module, you’ll be equipped to help clients turn short-term change into lifelong transformation—building resilience, habits, and mindset shifts that continue to serve them long after the scale stops moving.

Final Examination

Welcome to your Final Exam! This is your opportunity to demonstrate everything you’ve learned throughout the course. Take your time, read each question carefully, and do your best. You’ll need a minimum score of 75% to pass. Good luck — you’ve got this!

Course Resources

Here you'll find all of the key resources that are shared throughout the modules - gathered in one place for easy access and ongoing reference. Whether you're preparing for client sessions, building your intake process, or reinforcing core concepts, these tools are here to support your work.