Become a Certified Eating Disorder Informed Fitness Professional

Learn to recognize the signs, support your clients, and create a truly safe fitness environment.

Fitness Professional

What you’ll gain

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    The ability to identify the most common eating disorders and their characteristics.

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    The knowledge to spot red flags and warning signs in client behavior and language.

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    Learn how to approach conversations about body image and food without triggering harm.

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    Understand your scope of practice and know when to refer clients to specialists.

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    Learn how to shift your coaching language to promote strength, function, and well-being over appearance.

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    The ability to create a weight-inclusive, body-positive training environment.

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Course Overview

Food and Fitness

Module 1: Understanding Eating Disorders in Fitness Spaces

  • The role of fitness professionals in client well-being

  • Myths and misconceptions about eating disorders

  • The dangers of diet culture and fitness fads

Body Image

Module 2: Types of Eating Disorders & Their Characteristics

  • Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder, OSFED, ARFID, Orthorexia, Exercise addiction and compulsive exercise behaviors.

  • Warning signs and red flags in training sessions

Personal Trainer

Module 3: Recognizing the Signs & Symptoms

  • Physical, emotional, and behavioral indicators

  • Weight bias and why eating disorders are not always visible

  • When to be concerned and how to respond

Trainer and Client

Module 4: Effective Communication & Asking the Right Questions

  • How to approach a client with concern

  • How to have non-judgmental conversations

  • Non-triggering language and supportive phrasing

Personal Trainer

Module 5: Scope of Practice & Ethical Considerations

  • Understanding professional boundaries

  • Legal and ethical considerations in discussing food and mental health

  • When and how to refer clients to specialists

Body Positive Fitness

Module 6: Building a Body Positive & Inclusive Training Environment

  • The impact of language on body image and self-esteem

  • Avoiding weight-centric fitness narratives

  • Promoting strength, function, and overall well-being over aesthetics

  • How to shift messaging and marketing to be inclusive

Why Fitness Professionals Need This Course

Personal Trainer

  • 1 in 3 individuals in fitness spaces struggle with disordered eating or body image issues.

  • Traditional fitness education focuses on performance and aesthetics — not mental health.

  • Without proper training, you could unintentionally reinforce harmful behaviors.

  • Becoming a Certified Eating Disorder Informed Fitness Professional sets you apart and builds trust with clients.

✺ Frequently asked questions ✺

  • Once you have completed the course, you can submit it to your certifying body for CEC approval.

    • Personal trainers

    • Group fitness instructors

    • Yoga and Pilates instructors

    • Strength and conditioning coaches

    • Wellness coaches

    • Anyone working with clients in a fitness setting

    If you want to create a safer, more supportive space for your clients — this course is for you.

  • No — this is an introductory course designed to give you the foundational knowledge you need to recognize signs and provide supportive guidance.

  • Approximately 6–8 hours of self-paced content + final assessment for certification.

  • Most fitness professionals are not trained to identify and address eating disorders — but the reality is that 1 in 3 individuals in fitness spaces may be struggling with disordered eating or body image issues.

    Without proper training, even well-meaning fitness professionals can inadvertently cause harm by reinforcing diet culture or ignoring red flags.