ACE Launches New Anti-Obesity Medication Course for Coaches
The American Council on Exercise has released a new course for fitness trainers and health coaches to support clients using weight loss medication
The American Council on Exercise (ACE) has launched a new, interactive course in the era of weight loss medications: Leveraging Anti-Obesity Medications for Optimal Client Outcomes.
The new educational offering ($59) gives health and fitness professionals the unique skills needed to support personal training and health coaching clients using popular weight loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy.
The course also offers personal trainers a competitive edge ahead of New Year’s resolutions, where an influx of motivated consumers are eager for expert guidance to meet their goals.
Co-designed by ACE, Renee J. Rogers, PhD, FACSM and Mike Hansen, a certified personal trainer and industry writer specializing in anti-obesity medications, ACE’s new program features video content and hands-on activities.
Participants will discover the physiological effects and challenges clients may face while taking the popular drugs and learn the best practices for developing personalized fitness programs for long-term success. Upon completing the program, ACE says participants will be equipped to understand prescription guidelines and explain the effects of weight-loss medications on body composition.
“As anti-obesity medications become more prevalent, the health and fitness industry must adapt to meet the unique needs of clients using these treatments,” ACE CEO and president Cedric X. Bryant, PhD, FACSM, said. “Health and exercise professionals need to be well-versed not only in the physiological effects of these medications but also in addressing the challenges, biases and stigma that clients may face. This course bridges that gap, empowering professionals to deliver inclusive, informed, and impactful support.”
Although roughly 12% of Americans have used GLP-1s at some point (and 6% are current users), the numbers are likely to grow. One 2023 survey found that nearly 90% of healthcare providers reported an increase in patients requesting prescription weight loss medications.
The blockbuster drugs have slimmed consumers down, but experts agree that weight loss medication users should commit to building long-lasting healthy habits and building strength. This year, Noom added an in-app body scan feature for GLP-1 users to monitor body composition metrics, track progress and evaluate any potential muscle mass loss. The new feature follows the digital health platform’s Muscle Defense fitness program, launched in partnership with FitOn.
Luxury lifestyle and fitness brand Equinox has also focused on developing a specialized program for members who use—or are considering—weight-loss medications.
Equipment maker Echelon recently entered the GLP-1 space with the launch of ActiveMD, a wellness division offering weight-loss medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Rybelsus to qualified individuals, combined with a fitness program.
“Weight loss has become a significant component to managing a person’s overall wellness,” Echelon CEO Lou Lentine said. “By combining GLP-1s, immune health regimen and metabolism boosts with Echelon Fitness programs that focus on the individual’s goals, ActiveMD will help you lose unwanted weight and stay healthy without losing muscle mass.”
