ISSA GLP-1 Weight Loss Specialist

Description

ISSA GLP-1 Weight Loss Specialist

The ISSA GLP-1 Weight Loss Specialist Course is a specialized certification designed for health, fitness, and wellness professionals to safely and effectively support clients using GLP-1 agonist medications (e.g., semaglutide, tirzepatide).

This evidence-based program provides a deep understanding of how these medications work, their impact on metabolism, appetite, and body composition, and the critical role of concurrent lifestyle intervention.

You will learn to design integrated nutrition, exercise, and behavioral protocols that maximize therapeutic outcomes, preserve lean mass, and establish sustainable habits for long-term success.

This course prepares you to work collaboratively within a healthcare team, offering essential lifestyle coaching that is vital for clients during and after pharmacotherapy.

Learning Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this certification, you will be able to:

• Explain the physiological mechanism of action of GLP-1 agonists, their impact on appetite regulation, gastric emptying, and metabolic health.
• Design phase-specific nutrition protocols that address common side effects, ensure adequate protein and nutrient intake, and support lean mass preservation during rapid weight loss.
• Develop appropriate, progressive exercise programming that accommodates potential changes in energy, caloric intake, and client capacity, with a focus on strength retention and functional fitness.
• Apply behavioral coaching strategies to help clients build sustainable eating and activity habits that align with physiological changes induced by medication.
• Identify common side effects, contraindications, and red flags, understanding the scope of practice for a coach and knowing when to refer clients back to their prescribing physician.
• Create structured transition and maintenance plans to support clients in sustaining weight loss and health improvements after medication titration or cessation.

Exam Format: 

• Pre-requites: None
• Exam Format: Multiple Choice
• Exam Question: 42
• Passing Grade: 75%
• No. of Exam Attempts: 2
• Course Validity: 8 months
• CEUS: ISSA 20