The psychological effects of weight loss are as important as the physiological ones. This course will review five key components of the psychology of weight loss: coping, dieting, will power, adherence, and ambivalence. This course is designed to provide an understanding of each of these components and help the fitness professional identify these psychological components in their client’s weight loss behaviors.
Psychology of Weight Loss
Psychology of Weight Loss
This course is part of Holistic Weight Management Specialization
Instructor: NASM Faculty
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level
Recommended experience
3 hours to complete
3 weeks at 1 hour a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
The importance of psychological factors in the development of obesity.
Five psychological factors that affect weight loss in individuals with obesity.
Cognitive-behavioral strategies to address the five factors and support client’s weight loss efforts.
Details to know
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Recently updated!
May 2025
Assessments
1 assignment
Taught in English
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This course is part of the Holistic Weight Management Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There is 1 module in this course
Welcome to NASM's Psychology of Weight Loss course. a course that explores the complex relationship between the mind and body in obesity. We focus on five key psychological factors—coping, dieting, willpower, adherence, and ambivalence—that impact weight loss. Through cognitive-behavioral strategies, you'll learn to address these barriers and support clients in achieving sustainable weight loss and improved well-being. Discover how to differentiate between adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies and apply effective problem-focused and emotion-focused approaches to manage stressors.
What's included
2 readings1 assignment1 app item1 discussion prompt
Instructor
Offered by
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Frequently asked questions
NASM is the most trusted name in fitness and wellness, offering application-based learning including topics on nutrition, fitness, and wellness. For more than 30 years, NASM has prided itself on developing content, certifications, and specializations that are evidence-based and backed by the latest science and research.
A NASM course is a direct and accelerated learning model that allows you similar academic rigor making what you learn easily applied to daily life.
The content is authored by connecting with the foremost leading experts in the nutrition, fitness, and wellness industry. NASM's courses are a compilation of vetted research and science presented in ways that make complex concepts easy to understand and apply for even the novice learner.
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