Training From the code: 11. STAFF TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS 11.1 The Council has determined that there are a diverse range of training competencies needed within the various sectors of the Weight Management Industry and these are detailed in the Training Competencies. 11.2 Members and their franchisees and agents must ensure that the Training Competencies relating to their respective sectors exist within their respective businesses. WEIGHT MANAGEMENT INDUSTRY TRAINING COMPETENCIES Key for table below  A - Individual Client Program B - Group Client Programs C - Home Delivered Diet Meals D - Very Low Energy Diet Products E - Formulated Meal Replacement  F - Registered Medicines (Prescription) G - Registered Medicines (Non-prescription) Competencies A B C D E F G Weight Management Industry * * * * * * * Background to the problem of obesity   *   *   *   *   *   *   * Risks and Consequences of Obesity   *   *       *       *   * Health benefits & risks associated with weight loss   *   *   *   *   *   * Body Image * *   * * * * Nutrition knowledge        What is in food? * * * *       Food Labelling * *     *     Healthy methods of food preparation and cooking * * *         Safe food handling *   *         The Importance of Exercise - Physical Activity Guidelines * * * * * * * Environmental Factors Eating patterns * * * * * * * Social Factors * * * * * * Particular Factors eg pregnancy, medical condition * * * * * * * Consumers rights * * * * * * * Individual Assessment         The Client's needs * * * * *   * The General Health * * * * *   * Body Composition * *   *       Physical activity patterns * *   *     * Social Activity Patterns * *       * Goal setting * *   * * * * Counselling * *   *     * Communication * * * *     * Motivation * * * * * * * Strategies for facilitating weight management Dietary management * * * * * * * Physical activity programs * * * * * * Behavioural modification * *   * * * * Company Specific Modules         About the business * * * * * * * About the program / product / services * * * * * * * Factors particular to businesses eg Medical Assessment Body Composition *   * * * *   Competency Definition Weight Management Industry Determine the sectors of the weight management industry. Background to the problem of obesity Be able to define and classify obesity. Explain the extent of the problem of obesity among the Australian population. Understand the potential pathways that contribute to obesity. Risks and Consequences of Obesity Identify the health risks associated with obesity (certain cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, gastro-intestinal and respiratory problems). Be able to explain the difference between abdominal fatness and peripheral fatness in relation to health. Understand the adverse effects of obesity on mortality and health. Explain the psychological and socio-economic consequences of obesity. Health benefits & risks associated with weight loss Identify the health benefits associated with weight loss. Understand the potential risks associated with weight loss. Body Image Understand the importance of body image and self-esteem. Explain the role of media/advertising in influencing body image. Identify common eating disorders. Nutrition knowledge   What is in food? Food Labelling Healthy methods of food preparation and cooking Safe food handling Develop a knowledge and understanding of the nutritional composition and importance of food in terms of physiological requirements and health. Understand and be able to apply the principles of the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating and the Australian Dietary Guidelines to differing food habits. Be able to read and interpret food labels. Develop a practical knowledge of how to prepare and cook foods in ways that favour health. Have a knowledge and understanding of basic food hygiene principles and practices. The Importance of Exercise – Physical Activity Guidelines Understand how physical activity can assist in the prevention and/or management of obesity. Understand and appreciate how the importance of physical activity can improve metabolic health. Environmental Factors Eating patterns Social Factors Particular Factors eg pregnancy, medical condition Understand and explain how environmental factors contribute to food behaviour. Consumers rights & Complaint Resolution Understand the rationale for consumer rights. Have a good knowledge and understanding of consumer rights in relation to the weight management industry. Be able to respond appropriately to client complaints in accordance with generally accepted guidelines such as AS4269-1995 Australian Standard for Complaint Handling.   Element/Topic Competencies Individual Assessment The Client’s needs General Health Body composition Food patterns Physical activity patterns Social activity patterns Develop interview skills to analyse client needs and illicit appropriate information about general health, food patterns, and physical and social activity patterns. Understand and develop the techniques required to assess body composition. Goal setting Understand the importance of setting goals (short and long term) Be able to develop goal setting tools to assist clients in setting appropriate and achievable goals. Counselling Appreciate the role of counselling in weight management. Have a knowledge and understanding of the counselling process. Develop the skills required to counsel clients effectively. Communication Understand and be able to apply the basic principles of communication such as active listening and questioning. Motivation Understand and be able to apply a variety of strategies that will help clients to reach their personal goals. Strategies for facilitating weight management   Dietary management Physical activity programs Behavioural modification Have a good working knowledge of the dietary, physical activity and behavioural strategies used to manage obesity. Be aware of the potential barriers impeding the management of obesity. The programs should take account of the Commonwealth Government Physical Activity Guidelines as amended from time to time. Company Specific Modules   About the business About the program / product /services Factors particular to businesses eg Medical Assessment