American Council on Exercise releases new course for fitness trainers and health coaches to support clients using weight loss medications
The American Council on Exercise (ACE) has launched a new interactive course in the age of weight-loss drugs: Achieving Optimal Client Outcomes with Anti-Obesity Drugs.
The new educational product ($59) provides health and fitness professionals with the unique skills they need to support personal training and health coaching clients using popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy.
The course also gives personal trainers a competitive edge ahead of New Year’s resolutions, with a flood of motivated consumers eager for expert guidance to achieve their goals.
ACE’s new program was designed by ACE, Renee J. Rogers, Ph.D., FACSM, and Mike Hansen, a certified personal trainer and industry writer specializing in anti-obesity medications, ACE’s The new program features video content and hands-on activities.
Participants will discover the physiological effects and challenges clients may face while taking popular medications and learn best practices for developing personalized fitness plans for long-term success. ACE says that upon completion of the program, participants will be able to understand prescribing guidelines and explain the effects of weight loss medications on body composition.
“As anti-obesity medications become more popular, the health and fitness industry must adapt to the unique needs of customers using these treatments,” said Cedric X. Bryant, Ph.D., FACSM, CEO and President of ACE. “Health and exercise professionals not only need to be well-versed in the physiological effects of these medications, but they also need to address the challenges, biases and stigmas that clients may face. This course Bridging this gap, empowering professionals to provide inclusive, informed and impactful support. ”
Although approximately 12% of Americans have used GLP-1 at some point (6% of whom are current users), this number is likely to grow. 1 2023 opinion poll found that nearly 90% of healthcare providers reported an increase in patients requesting prescription weight loss medications.
These top-selling drugs have caused consumers to lose weight, but experts agree that weight-loss drug users should aim to develop lasting healthy habits and build strength. This year, Noom added an in-app body scan feature for GLP-1 users to monitor body composition metrics, track progress and assess any potential muscle mass loss. The new feature follows the launch of the Muscle Defense fitness program launched by the digital health platform in partnership with FitOn.
Luxury lifestyle and fitness brand Equinox is also developing specialized programs for members who use or are considering using weight loss medications.
Device maker Echelon recently entered the GLP-1 space with the launch of ActiveMD, a wellness division that offers qualified individuals weight loss drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Rybelsus, combined with fitness programs.
“Weight loss has become an important part of managing an individual’s overall health,” said Echelon CEO Lou Lentine. “By combining GLP-1, an immune health regimen, and a metabolism boost with Echelon Fitness programs focused on individual goals, ActiveMD will help you lose unwanted weight and stay healthy without losing muscle mass.”
