Weight Loss Consultant

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Weight loss consultants assist clients with motivation, advice and practical plans to lose weight or body fat. They meet with clients to discuss weight loss goals, and will usually record a client's weight and measurements, tracking their progress toward these goals over time. They advise clients about topics such as eating a healthy diet, developing an effective exercise regime and making healthy lifestyle choices. They may work with clients on an individual basis, or run group sessions, where clients are able to motivate and support each other and share their own weight loss tips. They will usually be knowledgeable about good nutrition, the importance of exercise and the psychological factors involved in weight loss. FutureGrowthModerate

Weight loss consultants typically do not work independently, but instead work within various weight loss programs where a client will sign up for the purpose of receiving pre-made or pre-planned meals, specific diet plans, and regular meetings with an individual or group for motivational purposes. Unlike a registered dietitian or nutritionist, a weight loss consultant typically does not have any specific education in the health or nutrition fields.
 
They may also be good with people, encouraging (and strict if necessary) and able to motivate people to lose weight.

ANZSCO ID: 451512

Alternative names: Weight Management Practitioner, Weight Management Consultant, Motivational Weight Management Coach, Wellness Coach, Health Coach, Nutrition Coach,

Specialisations: Motivational Weight Management Coach, Wellness Coach, Health Coach, Nutrition Coach,

Knowledge, skills and attributes

  • Good administrative skills

  • Good communication skills

  • Knowledge of weight loss through personal experience

  • Awareness of when people are experiencing difficulties

  • Keeping up to date on relevant nutrition and diets

You also need to be aware of each person on the program and their needs. For example, if a person is losing weight too fast, is becoming obsessed with their eating, seems to be ill, is not eating their correct food for any condition they have, such as diabetes, and so on.

It can also be a challenge to motivate and support people to lose weight. This can be very hard for a lot of people, so that constant motivation can be hard. You will also need to be a good motivator, able to talk to people in groups or individually, be knowledgeable about diet and nutrition, be sympathetic but also strict when necessary.

With client
(Source: YourCareer)

Duties & Tasks

  • Interviews clients to work out their needs.

  • Monitors and corrects imbalances in the body using muscle testing techniques.

  • Advises clients on dietary requirements and on cultivating healthy eating habits.

  • Devising exercise strategies for optimum, healthy weight loss Overweight man

  • Speaking with clients about personal fitness goals

  • Records clients' weight and measurements.

  • Instructs clients on the use of exercise equipment.

  • Working one-on-one or with groups to offer advice on nutrition in conjunction with exercise regimes

  • Provides support and counselling.

  • Meet sales quotas of the company.

  • Ensure follow-up of after-sales service.

In addition, sales is often a large part of the job of these consultants. Many will earn commission based on the amount of programs they sell, so it is in the consultant's best interest to keep the client happy and satisfied with the program, and to motivate the client to lose weight and see the results. That will then make the client more likely to recommend the program to his or her friends. In addition to individual meetings with clients, a consultant may also be responsible for hosting occasional group meetings or weigh-ins as another motivational tool for program participants.

A weight loss consultant will have regular meetings with a manager, where progress and sales goals will be assessed. The consultant will likely need to meet sales goals and customer service requirements in order to continue within the position. It is important for consultants to possess the ability to be polite, friendly, and respectful, and to truly enjoy working with and helping other people.

Working conditions

​Weight loss consultants may be employed by a national or international chain of weight loss companies with an established and shared methodology and philosophy, or they may work independently, with their own weight loss system. They usually work in an office, but may hold regular group meetings with clients in a community setting. Many of their clients can be very emotional, and weight loss consultants may need to find ways to inspire and motivate clients who are depressed or have almost given up on weight loss. They generally work regular business hours, though they may be required to work evenings and on weekends to run meetings and group workshops when their clients are available.


Tools and technologies

Weight loss consultants may use scales and tape measures to record and track their clients' weight loss progress. They will also generally use charts, pamphlets and similar materials to demonstrate the nutritional value of different foods and as a reference source to provide advice about specific lifestyle habits or exercise options. Some weight loss consultants may use audiovisual equipment, including computers, projectors and microphones, when conducting group sessions. They may also use cooking equipment to give practical demonstrations about how to prepare a healthy meal.

 
Education and training/entrance requirements

​It is possible to work as a weight loss consultant without formal qualifications and get training on the job. Established weight loss companies will generally provide training to new employees.

Entry into this occupation may be improved by obtaining a qualification in weight management. The Certificate IV in Weight Management is available at Australian registered training organisations.

Learning about weight loss has to be the starting point; and a foundation course of at least 100 hours would be the absolute minimum. If you wish to work independently, it is important to get professional liability insurance (available to graduates of ACS Distance Education through OAMPS in Australia).


Employment Opportunities

Weight loss consultancy options vary. Many people are self employed, while others find work within an established organisation.

There are many weight loss organisations out there, such as Weight Watchers, Slimming World and others. You may work for one of these organisations. These may provide you with a clear structure of how to work, and have specific products that can be sold and marketed. They will provide you with the administration of the business. In some cases you may have to purchase a franchise. Profitability may not always be as good working for someone else though, as it is working for yourself.

Or you may become a freelance independent consultant. In this case, you will probably meet clients in their own homes, carry out an assessment on their weight problem, then come up with an individual plan to help them. You may only see them once, or you may see them several times to help them through their weight loss journey. This may also involve additional emails and calls to motivate and encourage the person.

You may need to develop networking and marketing skills to promote yourself and encourage people to use your services.

Risks and Challenges
  
A big challenge here is maintaining your own weight loss. Many consultants who join franchises will have been previous members. Often the franchise will insist on that. The consultant will be someone who has successfully lost weight his/herself and is now helping others. They are a role model. This can put stress on the consultant to keep their weight loss off, if they wish to maintain their job. Also, clients will not necessary belief that a consultant can help them, if the consultant his/herself is overweight.

Did You Know?

The Conversation 13 August 2021

The Conversation

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