Clients who want to lose weight can turn to a weight loss coach for advice, support, and accountability. Specialized licensing and certification programs in counseling, health care, and nutrition are available to those interested in becoming a weight loss coach. Others prefer to learn on their own or to enroll in coaching certification programs. Working as a weight loss coach in the United States does not require any government licensing. Other countries, on the other hand, may have laws that only allow licensed professionals to provide weight loss services.
Coaches may first obtain licensure or certification in another field before deciding to pursue a career as a weight loss coach. Before using the title of registered dietitian in the United States, for example, dietitians must typically earn a bachelor’s degree, complete a supervised practicum, and pass a national examination. Nurses, counselors, and other health-care professionals would also need to complete additional education and training requirements as well as pass an exam to be licensed in their fields.
Weight loss coaches with a background in health care, physical fitness, or counseling may offer coaching as an add-on to their current practice; these professionals may or may not pursue formal coaching training or certification. A weight loss coach who is also a nurse or a dietitian, for example, may work with clients on meal planning, whereas a personal trainer may offer clients goal setting and motivation sessions in addition to their regular cardio workouts.
Some weight loss coaches may not have received any formal training in the health sciences and are motivated to help others. A weight loss coach without a background in health, counseling, or fitness can either read up on weight loss topics on his own or enroll in a weight loss coaching or generalist life coaching program for training.
Several organizations provide training and certification for people interested in becoming a weight loss coach or providing life coaching in multiple areas. These organizations and training programs vary in size, scope, and reputation, and they are typically open to both health care and counseling professionals as well as those who have not received any formal training in those fields. Some of these programs are affiliated with a religious organization, while others may provide training in a specific school of psychology or motivational theory. Each organization’s certification criteria are usually unique, and may include required readings, training classes or workshops, and one-on-one mentoring.