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Weight Loss Drugs and Diets: Evidence-Based Treatment and Counseling Pearls

Weight Loss Drugs and Diets: Evidence-Based Treatment and Counseling Pearls

1 hour
Credits / Contact Hours
$11
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Very well written, easy to digest, time efficient, and straight to the point. Thank you!

Da
Dawn O.
Verified review

I appreciate the convenience of the course being online and accessible through my phone and that it directly reports to support mandated education requirements.

Pr
Priya M.
Verified review

The course was well organized and helpful in meeting state licensure requirements. I found the content to be very informative and practical.

Cr
Cristina G.
Verified review
Course

Explore evidence-based weight loss strategies, including medications, surgeries, and popular diets. This 1-hour course helps healthcare professionals counsel patients effectively. Credits are reported to CE Broker and/or CPE Monitor for easy compliance.

Nationally & state accredited

Pharmacy

Course Features

Instant certificates
All required courses
Instant reporting toCE Broker - View AchieveCE provider profile
7-day live chat & phone support
Auto reporting toCPE Monitor
Unlimited course attempts

What you'll learn

Pharmacy Technician Learning Objectives At the conclusion of this continuing education activity, the participant will be able to:

  1. Recognize currently approved pharmacological and surgical treatments for weight loss

  2. Recall the importance of evidence-based information in patient treatment and education about weight loss

  3. Review an example of a patient case that can be referred to the pharmacist for counseling to discuss effective techniques and treatment for weight loss

General Healthcare Professionals Learning Objectives At the conclusion of this continuing education activity, the participant will be able to:

  1. Describe currently approved pharmacological and surgical treatments for weight loss

  2. Analyze the safety and efficacy of trending fad diets and unapproved weight loss drugs

  3. Apply evidence-based knowledge about weight loss to a given patient counseling scenario

Course description

Weight Loss Drugs and Diets: Evidence-Based Treatment and Counseling Pearls is a 1-hour continuing education (CE) course designed for healthcare professionals involved in obesity management and patient counseling. As obesity continues to be a leading public health concern, providers must stay current on effective, evidence-based treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes.

This course explores FDA-approved pharmacologic treatments for weight loss, as well as surgical interventions, outlining their indications, mechanisms of action, potential side effects, and limitations. Participants will also review the science behind common diet programs and lifestyle trends, with an emphasis on identifying evidence-based approaches versus popular but unsupported methods.

Healthcare professionals will gain tools to critically assess dietary recommendations, tailor weight loss plans to individual needs, and communicate effectively with patients. Emphasis is placed on developing realistic goals, improving adherence, and addressing weight-related stigma in clinical practice.

Key topics include:

  • Overview of current FDA-approved weight loss medications

  • Indications and risks of bariatric surgery

  • Evaluation of common dietary programs through an evidence-based lens

  • Counseling strategies to enhance patient understanding and engagement

  • Techniques to dispel nutrition myths and promote sustainable habits

By the end of this course, participants will be equipped to provide informed, practical guidance to patients pursuing weight management. This training supports healthcare professionals in delivering safe, individualized care rooted in clinical evidence.

Course content

  • Weight Loss: The Common Struggle

  • Obesity: Definition

  • Obesity: Contributors

  • Potential Benefits of Weight Loss

  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-Approved Weight Loss Drugs: Treatment Pearls

  • FDA-Approved Weight Loss Drugs: Counseling Pearls

  • FDA-Approved Weight Loss Drugs: Safety and Efficacy 

  • Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 (GLP-1) Agonists

  • GLP-1 Agonists

  • Orlistat

  • Sympathomimetics

  • Phentermine/Topiramate

  • Bupropion/Naltrexone

  • Unapproved Substances: Counseling Pearls

  • Human Chorionic Gonadotropin: Mandated FDA Disclaimer

  • Emerging Weight Loss Research: Tirzepatide

  • Weight Loss Diets: Counseling Pearls

  • Mediterranean Diet

Course details

Release Date10/16/2025
Expiration Date10/16/2028
Review Date10/16/2028
ACPE UAN0657-0000-25-073-H01-P 0657-0000-25-073-H01-T
CE Broker ID20-953848
AGD Number386503 | Course Code: 016
Activity TypeKnowledge-based
Activity FormatEnduring

Explore more continuing education topics

Nutrition

Instructor

avatar
Betthany ThomasPharmD, RPh

Dr. Betthany Thomas, PharmD, RPh is a 2008 graduate of the University of Louisiana at Monroe with her Doctor of Pharmacy degree, an American Fitness Professionals & Associates(AFPA)-certified weight management specialist, and an AFPA-certified nutrition and wellness consultant. She has extensive experience as a licensed pharmacist in community pharmacy, medication therapy management, and utilization management. In addition, she is the CEO of BMT Consulting Services, LLC(previously BMT Coaching) and a member of the Medical Expert Board for Verywell Health. Dr. Beth now her expertise to help digital health companies leverage effective, evidence-based content, course, and collaboration solutions for faster growth and more significant impact.

Ideal CE course for these professions

This continuing education course is especially relevant for these healthcare professions, but other professionals may also benefit

Licensed Mental Health CounselorDental TherapistClinical Laboratory TechnicianCertified Respiratory TherapistAdvanced Practice Nurse PrescribersPharmacistSocial Worker InternCertified Nurse MidwifeLicensed Social WorkerLicensed Clinical Social WorkerCertified Master Social WorkerLicensed Independent Social WorkerNursing Assistive PersonnelExpanded Function Dental AssistantRegistered Respiratory TherapistDental HygienistCertified Nurse AidesExpanded Function Dental AuxiliaryAdvanced Dental AssistantRegistered Nurse PractitionerAdvanced Practice NursesAthletic TrainerClinical Laboratory TechnologistClinical Laboratory DirectorForensic Nurse-CSACertified Registered Nurse AnesthetistPsychiatric NurseClinical Nurse SpecialistAPRN - Certified Nurse MidwifeLicensed Practical NurseLicensed Independent Clinical Social WorkerLicensed Psychiatric Technician NurseNurse PractitionerDentistRegistered NurseLicensed Nursing AssistantAdvanced Practice Registered NursePublic Health NurseLicensed Vocational NurseLicensed Mental Health Counselor InternDental TechnicianLicensed Masters Social WorkerCommunity Dental Health CoordinatorRespiratory TherapistMaster's Social WorkNursing Home AdministratorRespiratory Care Practitioner Critical CareDental LabRespiratory Care PractitionerLicensed Certified Social WorkerLicensed Baccalaureate Social WorkerLicensed Independent Social Worker DualRespiratory Care Practitioner Non-Critical CareRegistered Social Worker AssistantDenturistRegistered Dental AssistantGeneral DentistPharmacy TechnicianBachelor's Social WorkerLicensed Independent Social Worker Advanced PracticeDental Assistant RadiographerClinical Laboratory SupervisorLicensed Graduate Social WorkerLicensed Independent Social Worker Clinical PracticeDental Assistant

Accreditations

AchieveCE is an approved provider (Provider #50-20641) of continuing education for occupational therapy professionals.

  • Alabama State Board of Occupational Therapy

  • Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners

  • Florida Board of Occupational Therapy

  • Georgia State Board of Occupational Therapy

  • Tennessee Board of Occupational Therapy

  • Mississippi State Department of Health – Bureau of Professional Licensure for Occupational Therapists

Frequently asked questions

How many CE credits does this course provide?

This course, "Weight Loss Drugs and Diets: Evidence-Based Treatment and Counseling Pearls", provides 1 contact hour of continuing education credit upon successful completion.

Is this course accredited?

Yes, this course is accredited by Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Respiratory Therapy, Clinical Laboratory, Athletic Training, Dentistry, Nursing, Mental Health, Pharmacy. AchieveCE is an approved provider of continuing education for healthcare professionals.

Which professions is this course approved for?

This course is especially relevant for: Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Dental Therapist, Clinical Laboratory Technician, Certified Respiratory Therapist, Advanced Practice Nurse Prescribers, Pharmacist, Social Worker Intern, Certified Nurse Midwife, Licensed Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Master Social Worker, Licensed Independent Social Worker, Nursing Assistive Personnel, Expanded Function Dental Assistant, Registered Respiratory Therapist, Dental Hygienist, Certified Nurse Aides, Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary, Advanced Dental Assistant, Registered Nurse Practitioner, Advanced Practice Nurses, Athletic Trainer, Clinical Laboratory Technologist, Clinical Laboratory Director, Forensic Nurse-CSA, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, Psychiatric Nurse, Clinical Nurse Specialist, APRN - Certified Nurse Midwife, Licensed Practical Nurse, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Psychiatric Technician Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Dentist, Registered Nurse, Licensed Nursing Assistant, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Public Health Nurse, Licensed Vocational Nurse, Licensed Mental Health Counselor Intern, Dental Technician, Licensed Masters Social Worker, Community Dental Health Coordinator, Respiratory Therapist, Master's Social Work, Nursing Home Administrator, Respiratory Care Practitioner Critical Care, Dental Lab, Respiratory Care Practitioner, Licensed Certified Social Worker, Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker, Licensed Independent Social Worker Dual, Respiratory Care Practitioner Non-Critical Care, Registered Social Worker Assistant, Denturist, Registered Dental Assistant, General Dentist, Pharmacy Technician, Bachelor's Social Worker, Licensed Independent Social Worker Advanced Practice, Dental Assistant Radiographer, Clinical Laboratory Supervisor, Licensed Graduate Social Worker, Licensed Independent Social Worker Clinical Practice, Dental Assistant. Other healthcare professionals may also benefit from this continuing education content.

How do I report my CE credits after completing this course?

Your credits are automatically and instantly reported to CE Broker and CPE Monitor upon successful completion. No manual reporting is required on your part.

Will I receive a certificate of completion?

Yes, you will receive a certificate of completion immediately after finishing the course and passing the assessment. The certificate can be downloaded and printed directly from your account.

What is your refund policy?

We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, you can request a full refund within 30 days of purchase.

How long do I have to complete this course?

You have unlimited time to complete the course at your own pace. Once purchased, the course is available in your account until its expiration date. You can pause and resume at any time.

Most helpful reviews

Star reviewsReal reviews, real results
Da
Dawn O.Nutritionist
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I am always interested in continuing education in the areas of health, wellness, nutrition and mental health. Your course was well written, well organized and helpful in meeting state licensure requirements.

Pr
Priya M.Occupational Therapist
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Very well written, easy to digest, time efficient, and straight to the point. Thank you!

Cr
Cristina GRegistered Nurse
Stars decorationVerified review
curly quote as a decorative item

I appreciate the convenience of the course being online and accessible through my phone and that it directly reports to CEBroker to support mandated education requirements.

Al
Allison B.Nurse Practitioner
Stars decorationVerified review
curly quote as a decorative item

I really loved this information. I was hospitalized last year for almost a month and I noticed multiple medical errors (not being hooked up to my IV multiple times, given wrong medication which caused my sodium to be very low, etc.) which lengthened my stay. I can now define those exact errors and better understand what happened to me. I hate that these medical errors are so common and I appreciate how well laid out your breakdown and categorization of them was.

Buy with confidence with money back guarantees

30 Day Satisfaction Money Back Guarantee

This course is guaranteed to meet or exceed your expectations for convenience and quality. View Terms

License Renewal Money Back Guarantee

Includes all state CE requirements and hours needed for your license renewal. View Terms

Requirements & disclosures

Financial Disclosures

This activity was developed by AchieveCE free of any commercial support. The following individuals have indicated that they have no financial relationships with an ineligible company that may impact upon this activity:

  • Betthany Thomas, PharmD, RPh - Content Expert and Faculty

  • Patricia Dunn, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC - Nurse Planner

  • Pete Kreckel, RPh - Pharmacist Planner

  • Marie T. Fluent, DDS, CDIPC - Dentist Planner

  • Gracielle Tubera - Content Reviewer

  • Luke Porter – Content Reviewer

  • Dianne Arroyo - Activity Publisher

Passing Grade

Participants must achieve a passing score on the activity post-test, which may be 70% or 80%, depending on the course. They must also complete an activity evaluation. There are no time limits and unlimited test-taking attempts. Credits will be reported automatically to CE Broker if your license information is entered correctly in your profile.

Hardware Requirements

Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Mac OS X 10.1+, iOS 10+, Android 4.3+

Software Requirements

Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Adobe Acrobat Reader

Network Requirements

Broadband Internet Connection: T1, Hi-speed DSL or Cable4G cellular connection

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