Diploma in Weight Management

Qualification Overview

This qualification is for people who want to be qualified to consult, coach and support the general population to manage their weight longterm using sustainable behaviour modification techniques and tools within an authentic and person-centred practise methodology.

Award of Qualification

This qualification is awarded by NZRWMC approved training providers and carries the NZRWMC official seal. Only graduates holding this qualification with the NZRWMC seal in their legal name are eligible for registration.

Delivery of Qualification

Training providers can apply to be accredited by NZRWMC to provide the training leading to this qualification. In the first instance training providers should contact us to make an initial accreditation enquiry. Training providers are selected on the basis of their ability to: deliver the learning material; provide learning opportunities in both face to face and online modes; provide adequate physical resources; engage qualified tutors (degree qualified in a health and/or counselling related field or equivalent, adult education qualified or significant validated experience; current with NZRWMC registration; minimum 4 years practise experience in coaching/training/education fields); maintain academic quality including having policies and procedures protecting student academic rights; institutional reputation.

Qualification Details

This qualification is made up of three units of capability (UOC) with corresponding measures. Pre-requisites include a working knowledge of commonly prescribed diets and the National Food and Nutrition Guidelines and Physical Activity Guidelines for the adult population. Pre-requisites can be studied concurrently but must precede and be assessed prior to embarking on learning related to UOC 2.

weight management concepts - uNIT OF CAPABILITY 1 (UOC1)

MEASURE

C1. Demonstrate understanding of human physiological adaptations that have evolved to promote weight gain and resist weight loss.

M1.1 Demonstrate understanding of the key physiological adaptations that enabled humans to survive in sparse food environments and the influence of these adaptations on the current obesity epidemic.

M1.2 Demonstrate understanding of how biology drives and reinforces our eating in terms of our key senses (taste and smell), neurotransmitter activity, and the brains reward and pleasure pathway.

M1.3 Demonstrate understanding of the role of ‘hunger hormones’ in relation to hunger, satiety and energy conservation.

C2. Demonstrate understanding of how the modern environment contributes to the obesity epidemic.

M2.1 Demonstrate understanding of the differences between the modern food environment and the food environment that has dominated human history in terms of food availability and production and its impact on human health.

M2.2 Demonstrate understanding of the differences in activity and food quality across human history and the impact

C3. Demonstrate understanding of common theories that have been advanced to explain body weight regulation.

M3.1 Demonstrate understanding of the set-point and settling point theories, and the leaky barrel model in relation to body weight regulation.

M3.2 Demonstrate understanding of the positive incentive theory and how this accounts for hunger and eating behaviour.

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT PRACTITIONER TOOLS AND TECHniques - unit of capability 2 (UOC2)

MEASURE

C1. Demonstrate understanding of how human behaviour is controlled and influenced, and the implications for weight management.

M1.1 Demonstrate understanding of the difference between conscious and unconscious control of behaviour, and the influence that ‘habits’ have on behaviour. to resist the temptation of unhealthy food.

M1.2 Demonstrate understanding of the effect that advertising and promotion of unhealthy food has on eating behaviour, and the ability to use self-control

M1.3 Demonstrate understanding of why some traditional approaches to weight management are effective, and why others aren’t.

C2. Demonstrate understanding of behaviour change models and techniques used in behaviour change interventions.

M2.1 Demonstrate understanding of requirements of behaviour change from the perspective of prominent models including operant conditioning, social learning, behavioural economics and the transtheoretical stages of change.

M2.2 Demonstrate understanding of key techniques used to help people improve their eating and/or physical activity behaviours. Techniques include: self-monitoring, target behaviour analysis, problem solving, relapse prevention, goal-setting, stimulus control, self-reinforcement and social support.

C3 Demonstrate understanding of the practitioner role in a person-centred approach to weight management.

M3.1 Demonstrate understanding of a ‘person-centred’ approach to weight-management and the core principles that underlie this approach. Principles include: congruence, unconditional positive regard and empathy.

M3.2 Demonstrate understanding of obesity stigma, its effects, and how to reduce stigma

weight management professional practise - unit of capability 3 (UOC3)

measure

C1 Utilise principles of a person-centred approach as a weight management practitioner when working with clients in real and simulated environments.

M1.1 Demonstrate the ability to apply the principles of a person-centred approach to weight management when completing initial assessments, food diary reviews, target behaviour analyses, and any additional sessions with clients.

M1.2 Maintain professional and ethical conduct requirements when working as a weight management practitioner.

C2 Utilise key behavioural change techniques to help improve eating and/or physical activity behaviours of clients in real and simulated environments.

M2.1 Demonstrate the ability to use a range of key techniques to help people manage their weight. Techniques include: self-monitoring, target behaviour analysis, problem solving, relapse prevention, goal-setting, stimulus control, self-reinforcement and eliciting social support.

M2.2 Self monitor the use and application of techniques and their effectiveness for clients.

C3 Engage in professional development as a weight management practitioner

M3.1 Engage in reflective practise processes to improve client support and coaching work

M3.2 Engage in supervision processes to enhance practise

M3.3 Engage in research and information assimilation to improve practises