NASM launches certification to guide trainers through post-GLP-1 weight management

Prescription GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound have surged in popularity, with U.S. adult usage rising from 3 % in 2024 to 11 % in 2026, according to Gallup. Research indicates that half to three-quarters of users stop the medication within a year, and a University of Oxford meta-analysis found they regain weight at a rate of 0.4 kg per month, reaching their original weight in about 1.7 years. To address the “Ozempic cliff,” the National Academy of Sports Medicine is rolling out a specialized training program for personal trainers.

The curriculum focuses on evidence-based behavior-change strategies and resistance training, which can help maintain weight loss and rebuild lean mass, as recommended by the Mayo Clinic. NASM reports that 73 % of trainers say clients inquire about GLP-1 drugs, prompting the need for formal education. The course, priced at $99, provides personalized study resources and culminates in an online certification exam.