Updated with New Client Perspective Videos | 0.4 CEUs
NASM Understanding Weight Loss Medications (GLP-1s)
Price
$149.00 $99.00 One-time Payment
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Course Details
Course Description
Build the knowledge and confidence to support clients using GLP‑1 and GIP medications in today’s rapidly evolving health and fitness landscape. As these medications become more widely used, fitness and wellness professionals must understand not only the science behind them, but how to coach clients through the real-world challenges and opportunities they present.
This updated course bridges the gap between science and application, giving you the tools to adapt nutrition, exercise, and behavior strategies to improve outcomes and support long-term success. You’ll learn how these medications impact appetite, metabolism, and body composition—and how to help clients navigate side effects, maintain lean mass, and build sustainable habits.
Featuring new videos from the client perspective, this course brings real-world coaching scenarios to life, offering valuable insight into how clients experience medically assisted weight loss, including common challenges, mindsets, and behavioral shifts.
With the latest research, practical coaching frameworks, and real client insights, you’ll be equipped to confidently guide clients, enhance results, and stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this course.
Course Sections
Section 1: Introduction to Weight Loss Medications
Understand how Semaglutide and Tirzepatide work, including their effects, risks, and long-term impact on muscle and bone health. Learn to enhance their effectiveness through lifestyle strategies like exercise and nutrition.
Section 2: The Role of Fitness and Wellness Professionals
Guide clients through their weight loss journey by applying personalized nutrition strategies, integrating physical activity, and using behavior coaching techniques to support lasting lifestyle change.
Section 3: Discontinuing Weight Loss Medications
Support clients transitioning off weight loss medications by applying strategies that maintain progress and promote long-term health. Reinforce key takeaways from the program to strengthen your ability to guide sustainable success.
Exam Details
After completing the course, you will take an untimed online exam consisting of 20 multiple-choice questions. The exam has no time limit. To pass the exam, you must achieve a minimum score of 70%; if you do not, you have unlimited attempts to reach this requirement.
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What is NASM’s Understanding Weight Loss Medications course?
The NASM Understanding Weight Loss Medications course is an online evidence-based continuing education course that prepares fitness, nutrition, and wellness professionals to support clients using GLP-1 and GIP weight loss medications. The program covers how the drugs work, side effects, scope of practice, coaching strategies to help clients experience long-term change. The course is self-paced, fully online, and designed to help fitness and wellness professionals expand their services with the knowledge and skills to guide this population.
Who is the Understanding Weight Loss Medications course for?
The Understanding Weight Loss Medications course is designed for fitness and wellness professionals who want to confidently support clients using GLP-1 and GIP weight loss medications. Whether you're a personal trainer, health coach, or nutrition specialist, you'll gain evidence-based strategies to guide clients toward long-term success.
Are there prerequisites for the Understanding Weight Loss Medications course?
No. There are no prerequisites for the Understanding Weight Loss Medications course. A fitness or wellness credential is recommended but not required. It's designed for fitness professionals and aspiring professionals who want to learn how to guide clients using GLP-1 and GIP weight loss medications.
Does the Understanding Weight Loss Medications course cover medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, Mounjaro, and Saxenda?
Yes. The Understanding Weight Loss Medications course covers GLP-1 and GIP therapies including semaglutide (the medication behind brand names like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus), tirzepatide (the medication present in Zepbound and Mounjaro), and liraglutide (the medication behind Saxenda) plus emerging therapies, and was updated in June 2026.
What’s new in the NASM Understanding Weight Loss Medications course?
The NASM Understanding Weight Loss Medications course was updated in June 2026 to reflect the latest science and real-world coaching needs. The revision includes new client perspective videos, expanded guidance on GLP-1 and GIP therapies (including oral options), enhanced coaching strategies, and improved flow and visuals to support more effective learning and application. The update reflects NASM’s commitment to continually update its courses to ensure the latest research and best practices are reflected.
Is Understanding Weight Loss Medications a certification or specialization?
No. The Understanding Weight Loss Medications is a continuing education course, not a certification or specialization. For in-depth knowledge and expertise in weight loss, the NASM Weight Loss Specialization (WLS) is an advanced specialization that combines the science of metabolism, behavior change, and sustainable fat loss in an online, self-study course for personal trainers and wellness coaches. Included in your purchase of the Weight Loss Specialization course is the Understanding Weight Loss Medications course.
How is the Understanding Weight Loss Medications exam structured?
The Understanding Weight Loss Medications exam is completely online and open-book. It has 20 multiple-choice questions, and a 70% passing score, with up to three attempts. You have one year from purchase to complete the exam, and you have access to the learning materials for five years from purchase.
How many CEUs do you earn if you complete the Understanding Weight Loss Medications course?
The Understanding Weight Loss Medications course is worth 0.4 NASM CEUs, which can be applied toward renewing an existing NASM certification such as the NASM-CPT.
Can I advise clients on their medications after taking Understanding Weight Loss Medications?
No. Prescribing or managing medications is outside a fitness professional's scope of practice. The course clarifies that scope and shows you how to support clients (through behavior change, exercise, nutrition habits, and referrals to medical professionals) while working alongside their healthcare providers.
How many adults in the United States take weight loss medications?
Approximately 1 in 8 American adults (roughly 12–13%) report taking a prescription weight loss medication, according to a 2025 analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF). This reflects rapidly growing adoption as more adults use GLP-1–based therapies to support clinically meaningful weight loss and health outcomes.
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