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Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
A New Weight Loss Era Demands a New Kind of Coach--ISSA Responds with GLP-1 Weight Loss Support Training
PHOENIX, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) has announced the launch of its comprehensive GLP-1 Weight Loss Support Training, designed to equip personal trainers, health coaches, and fitness professionals with the tools to safely, confidently, and holistically support clients using GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. With projections from Morgan Stanley Research estimating that over 24 million Americans will be using prescription weight loss medications by 2035, ISSA's new course fills a critical gap in the health and fitness industry—not just by explaining the medications, but by addressing the emotional, behavioral, and physical transformations clients experience during rapid weight loss. "The weight loss landscape is changing dramatically, and trainers need more than science - they need strategies to best help their clients succeed" shared Natalie Mayslich, Chief Operating Officer of ISSA. "Our new GLP-1 Weight Loss Support Training course empowers fitness and health coach professionals to stay within scope while becoming trusted allies in client transformation." While other programs may focus primarily on the clinical or pharmacological side of GLP-1 medications, ISSA's course takes a whole-person approach, combining insights from exercise science, health coaching, and emotional wellness to guide sustainable change. What Sets ISSA Apart? Behavioral & Emotional Coaching Integration: Helps trainers support clients facing emotional eating, body image shifts, and motivation hurdles. Muscle Preservation Focus: According to Harvard Health Publishing, some GLP-1 users have lost over 20% of their body weight in a year. Scope of Practice Clarity: Empowers trainers to avoid overstepping medical bounds while offering high-impact support. Health Coach-Informed Design: Developed in collaboration with the Health Coach Institute, the course trains professionals in behavioral change and coaching psychology—critical for long-term success. "GLP-1 medications can be valuable tools, but true, lasting transformation requires more than a prescription," said Brooke Jeffries, MS, CN, NBC-HWC, Health Coach Institute's Pathway Program Director, powered by ISSA. "Health coaches and personal trainers are indispensable in helping clients make the behavioral and mindset shifts necessary to maintain their progress. By addressing nutrition, physical activity, emotional eating, and body image, coaches guide clients toward a healthier, more sustainable approach to weight management." An April 2025 article released by Harvard Health Publishing identified 'that in some studies, participants using GLP-1s have lost an average of 10% to 15% of their body weight over a year' and that 'the most effective GLP-1 medications can lead to weight loss of over 20% of body weight.' The course provides fitness and wellness professionals with: The science of GLP-1 medications and their effects on the body Defining and protecting your professional scope Providing emotional and behavioral support Adapting exercise program to client needs Designing personalized training plans Supporting long-term maintenance and tapering "This course isn't just about understanding the medications—it's about becoming a compassionate, confident, and trusted ally in clients' health journeys," added Jeffries. "By mastering these specialized skills, fitness and health professionals can stand out in a competitive market while making a profound difference in their clients' lives." The GLP-1 Weight Loss Support Training joins ISSA's growing library of over 50 health and wellness specializations, and is ideal for professionals who want to differentiate themselves in a competitive market while delivering meaningful client outcomes. Additional information about the program is available at About International Sports Sciences Association International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) is the global leader in online fitness and wellness certifications. For more than 35 years, ISSA has been committed to delivering comprehensive, cognitive, and practical education grounded in industry research. Rooted in Certified Personal Training certifications, ISSA offers over 50 fitness and wellness certifications and specializations, including a Yoga Alliance-recognized Yoga 200-Hour Teacher Training Course, Entrenador Personal Certificado, Health Coaching, Nutrition, and more. ISSA has educated nearly half a million trainers across 176 countries while driving toward their vision to connect 100 million people to the power of healthy living by 2030. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) Sign in to access your portfolio
Daily Mirror
21-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Weight loss method backed by Dr Michael Mosley and loved by Davina McCall
Intermittent fasting is popular with celebrities from Davina McCall to Jennifer Aniston and current research suggests it's more effective for weight loss than regular dieting Celebrity fad diets come and go, from Atkins to Keto, but one weight loss method seems to be sticking around for the long haul: intermittent fasting. There are several ways to utilise this technique, whether it's on a day-to-day basis - the 16:8 method - or structured around your week - the 5:2 method. Proponents of intermittent fasting are varied, with the likes of Davina McCall, Chris Moyles, Jennifer Aniston, Kourtney Kardashian, Scarlett Johansson and Wolverine himself Hugh Jackman all using this method at one point in their careers. But does it work? And what should you look out for? While fasting can seem scary, research on the topic seems to indicate it's more useful than regular dieting for weight loss. There are also a multitude of different ways to help people on their weight loss journey, including intermittent fasting tracking app Simple. Utilising the 16:8 method, it allows people to track their food intake, build meal and exercise plans, and also get help from their AI assistant, Avo. Here's everything you need to know about intermittent fasting. What is Intermittent Fasting? There are two major ways to use intermittent fasting to help with weight loss. One of the most popular ways is the 5:2 diet, which was popularised by the late Dr Michael Mosley in his book The Fast Diet. This includes picking two non-consecutive days to eat 500 calories (for women) or 600 calories (for men), while hitting your regular calorie count on the other days (2,000 recommended for women; 2,500 recommended for men). Otherwise there's the 16:8 method, where you fast for 16 hours - which means only having water, black coffee or plain tea - then eating in the other eight hours of your day. This is the technique promoted by Simple, but can be tracked using other apps like MyFitnessPal and Hevy. Does the 16:8 method work? There are multiple studies indicating 16:8 works better than regular dieting, as well as linking it to other health benefits like reducing obesity and promoting a healthier gut microbiome. One advantage of 16:8 is the ease of which people can do it. Speaking to Harvard Health Publishing, Dr Frank Hu - professor of nutrition and epidemiology at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health - said: "The 16:8 schedule is often easier to follow, since you sleep for about half of the fasting period. You just don't eat after dinner — no nighttime snacking — and either skip or postpone breakfast." Dr Hu also mentions the fasting schedule can help kickstart ketosis - the process where the body burns stored fat after running out of glucose. He adds: "Sixteen hours of not eating is sufficient for some people to start producing ketones or go into ketosis." Meanwhile, a study published on the USA's National Library of Medicine showed intermittent fasting is equally as effective for weight loss in those who are overweight and obese. Combined with the ease of which 16:8 can fit into your schedule, this makes a strong case for the method. However, long-term effects still need to be studied. One study did suggest your weight loss can plateau after six months, with the researchers suggesting this can be down to how well your body adapts to eating patterns. Also, intermittent fasting is not suitable for the elderly, those under the age of 18, people on certain medications and those with disordered or unhealthy eating patterns. Success stories One proponent of intermittent fasting is Davina McCall, who told Women's Health UK: "I used to snack all evening and didn't see anything wrong with it as I was reaching for healthy foods, such as carrots and hummus… Since putting a cut-off point on my eating, I crave (snacks) so much less and wake up feeling better." Simple has a multitude of success stories on their site. One woman named Debi dropped from a size 20 to a size 12 and lost 76lbs (or 5.4 stone) using the app. She said: "I went from a size 20 to a size 12, which is amazing. I still have 24lbs to go until I get to my goal of 140. But more importantly, I feel fabulous." Meanwhile, mum-of-two Laci Gilbert dropped 115lbs with the app by tracking her food and using wall Pilates via Simple. Available on Apple and Android, the app requests an extensive survey of users' lifestyle in order to create a tailored regime for them. She said: "It has changed my life and I'm so grateful for it. As working mums, wives, mothers, life takes over and sometimes we don't have time in the evenings to get to the gym or just don't feel like moving. The Simple App gives you a no-excuse reason to get up and move, especially when you can do it at home with no equipment." Real Simple users are featured who have been compensated for their honest testimonials. Results may vary. Shoppers can read The Mirror's review of the Simple app here with writer Tom Capon losing 43lbs in eight months using intermittent fasting. Simple app reviews The app boasts a 4.3 out of five stars on Trustpilot from over 29,000 reviews. One person shared: "This is the only plan that has worked for me. Tried several in the past and nothing has worked for me. Easy meal plans based on the foods I like. Workouts are designed for me based on my limitations. If I have a question about serving size or help with my workouts it gets answered immediately." A second wrote: "Love the app, easy to use. Positive helpful AI support. Doesn't over complicate things, eg counting calories or worrying about portion size. If you are dishonest it is only with yourself." Not everyone found it useful, as one user found the Simple App to be a bit tricky: "Not the easiest to navigate to log food or activity from the day before." Another agreed, simply stating: "It's too complicated." However, someone else said: " This app is amazing. It has kept me way more engaged than any other dieting app I've tried. It is super helpful and I love the feature of chatting with coach Avo, who always has the answers and suggestions I need to keep going."
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
American Idol winner Iam Tongi reveals the daily routine that helped him lose 115 pounds
Credit: Instagram/@wtongi Iam Tongi, the soulful singer who captivated audiences as the Season 21 winner of American Idol, has recently shared insights into his transformative health journey. Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE at the Lilo & Stitch world premiere in Los Angeles on May 17, Tongi revealed that he's been diligently working on his health. 'We have a workout session maybe around 11, come back [home], and we go to an ice bath or sauna … or whatever it is,' he explained. 'And then we come back, shower and go on a walk.' The result? 'I've lost 115 lbs. It feels amazing. I feel great.' Losing 115 lbs is no small feat — yet what stands out about Iam Tongi's journey is its lack of flash or fad. In an age where social media is flooded with fitness influencers selling complex regimens, restrictive diets, or high-intensity hacks, Tongi's approach is refreshingly grounded. While Tongi's weight transformation journey must not be as simple as he made it sound, his admission has brought attention to the three pillars in any weight transformation journey. Let us look at how effective each one is- Morning workout While Tongi didn't specify his exact workouts, incorporating regular exercise, be it strength training or cardio, is pivotal for weight loss and overall health. Engaging in such activities boosts metabolism, aids in fat loss, and enhances cardiovascular health. For instance, strength training not only burns calories during the workout but also increases muscle mass, which in turn elevates resting metabolic rate. Cardiovascular exercises like brisk walking or cycling improve heart health and endurance. Ice baths and saunas Neither ice baths or saunas are very effective when it comes to weight loss, but they help in recovery post-workout. Cold exposure, such as ice baths, can activate brown adipose tissue (BAT), which burns calories to generate heat, potentially aiding in weight loss. A study highlighted that cold water immersion might help convert white fat to brown fat, enhancing calorie burning. When it comes to the sauna, while you might notice a small drop in weight after a session, that's mostly just water weight lost through sweating. As soon as you rehydrate, that weight comes right back. The heat can slightly raise your heart rate, similar to what happens during light exercise, but the number of calories burned is minimal. So, while saunas can support relaxation and recovery, they're not a reliable method for true, lasting weight loss. Sweating it out won't replace actual movement or long-term lifestyle changes. Daily walks Incorporating daily walks is a simple yet effective strategy for weight management. Walking not only burns calories but also improves mood, reduces stress, and enhances cardiovascular health. As per experts, weight loss happens when you burn more calories than you consume. According to Harvard Health Publishing, someone weighing 70 kg burns roughly 140–150 calories by walking 5 kilometers at a moderate pace (around 5 km/h). Since it takes burning about 3,500 calories to lose half a kilo of body fat, walking 5 kilometers a day, five to six days a week, can lead to visible results over time. However, it's important to remember that meaningful weight transformation isn't just about physical activity. While exercise like walking or working out plays a key role, true progress comes from a combination of factors. Balanced nutrition, consistent sleep, stress management, and mental discipline all contribute to lasting change. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
NDTV
12-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Does Consumption Of Ultra-Processed Food Worsen Your Mood
In today's fast-paced lifestyle, instant noodles, packaged snacks, sugary cereals, and ready-to-eat meals offer convenience. But there's growing evidence that these ultra-processed foods (UPFs) might be taking a toll not just on our physical health, but our mental well-being too. Several studies, including those published by Harvard Health Publishing and the World Health Organisation (WHO), have linked high UPF consumption with an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. But how exactly do these foods affect our brain chemistry? And can replacing them improve our mood? Let's understand the connection between ultra-processed foods and your mental health. What makes ultra-processed food harmful for mental health? UPFs are heavily altered from their original state using additives, preservatives, sugars, and emulsifiers. They often lack fibre, essential nutrients, and antioxidants needed for brain health. According to researchers from the University of São Paulo, regular intake of UPFs may lead to neuroinflammation, disruption of gut microbiota, and unstable blood sugar, all factors associated with worsening mood and mental health. 1. UPFs disrupt gut health, which is linked to mood The gut and brain are deeply connected via the gut-brain axis. UPFs, low in fibre and high in artificial additives, harm gut bacteria. A disturbed gut microbiome is associated with mood swings, irritability, and depression. A 2022 study in Psychiatry Research found people with diverse gut bacteria had fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression. 2. High sugar content causes emotional crashes UPFs are often loaded with refined sugar, leading to quick spikes in blood sugar followed by crashes. This blood sugar rollercoaster can affect energy levels, increase irritability, and worsen depressive symptoms. According to the American Psychiatric Association, poor glycaemic control may intensify symptoms in individuals with mood disorders. 3. Trans fats and additives can lead to neuroinflammation Many packaged foods contain trans fats and synthetic additives which may contribute to chronic low-grade inflammation in the brain. Inflammation is known to play a role in depression and anxiety. The British Journal of Psychiatry published a study linking diets high in processed food to a 58% increased risk of depression. 4. Lack of essential nutrients affects brain function UPFs often lack omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, zinc, and B-vitamins, key nutrients that support neurotransmitter function and emotional regulation. A nutrient-deficient diet has been associated with slower cognitive function and an increased risk of mood disturbances. 5. UPFs can create dependency-like behaviour Studies show that ultra-processed foods may activate the brain's reward system similarly to addictive substances, leading to compulsive eating and dependency. This cycle of bingeing and guilt can damage self-esteem and increase the risk of emotional disorders over time. Healthier swaps for better mood and energy 1. Replace packaged snacks with roasted chana, nuts, or fruit. 2. Opt for home-cooked meals using whole grains like millets, brown rice, or dalia. 3. Consume fermented foods (like curd, kanji, or idli) for gut health. 4. Add magnesium-rich leafy greens, bananas, and seeds to your diet. 5. Stay hydrated, sometimes fatigue or brain fog is linked to dehydration. 6. Limit caffeine and sugary beverages which can disrupt sleep and mood. 7. Try meal-prepping to avoid reaching for packaged options when tired. While occasional consumption of processed food is not harmful, a diet dominated by ultra-processed foods can quietly affect your emotional balance. Building a mood-friendly diet rich in whole foods, fibre, and healthy fats can support better mental health. As research grows, one thing is clear, what you eat can have a powerful effect on how you feel. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
Daily Mirror
06-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Specific amount of cheese daily may lower heart disease and stroke risk
A new study has found that eating the right amount of cheese each day can slash your risk of heart disease and stroke - but there are some types you should avoid Cheese lovers, rejoice. It turns out that, contrary to popular belief regarding its high saturated fat and sodium content, cheese could actually be good for your health, even if you have heart concerns. According to Harvard Health Publishing, a review in 2023 published in the journal Advances in Nutrition compiled data from numerous observational studies focusing on cheese consumption's impact on health. The review deduced that eating an optimum amount of cheese – approximately 42.5 grams or 1.5 ounces daily – was associated with a decreased risk of stroke, heart disease, and cardiovascular-related death. Senior clinical nutritionist Emily Gelsomin, from Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, dubbed this "reassuring news for cheese lovers". She elaborated that cheese production involves fermentation, a process harnessing beneficial microbes to transform lactose and proteins, yielding unique flavours. Emily further mentioned that certain byproducts of fermentation could mitigate the negative effects of the sodium and saturated fat present in cheese. She highlighted that bacteria in types of cheese like Cheddar, Parmesan and Asiago act on milk proteins to produce compounds akin to those found in ACE inhibitor blood pressure medications. The fermentation process also produces vitamin K, which, according to Emily, helps slow the accumulation of harmful calcium deposits in the heart's arteries and valves. Cheeses rich in vitamin K include Muenster, Camembert, and Edam. Best cheeses for heart health However, Emily noted that it's challenging to determine whether one type of cheese is superior to another, primarily because this aspect hasn't been extensively studied. Emily highlighted that serving sizes vary among different cheeses, such as cottage cheese being four ounces, while Cheddar, Parmesan, or Swiss cheese is one ounce. Some cheeses have lower saturated fat content than others. Mozzarella and goat's cheese contain approximately 4g of saturated fat per ounce, whereas an ounce of Swiss, provolone, or cheddar has around 5g, as do soft cheeses like Brie and blue cheese. Additionally, blue cheese, feta, and Parmesan have higher sodium levels than others. Emily advised: "I wouldn't want someone to look at a chart showing the nutrition breakdown of different cheeses and think they should avoid specific varieties. "Those that are slightly higher in sodium or saturated fat, such as Parmesan, may have higher amounts of beneficial fermentation products." Finally, a word of caution - avoid processed cheese, often referred to as 'American cheese,' as it contains added ingredients like colourings and preservatives. While it's not inherently harmful, it doesn't provide the potential health perks that come with natural cheese. Emily also pointed out that this applies to dairy-free or plant-based 'cheese' alternatives, which frequently include coconut oil, a source of high saturated fat.
