phone iconSpeak with our expert +19196363068

Delivered in collaboration with Great Learning

Learn more about the course

Get details on syllabus, projects, tools, and more

Name
Email
Mobile Number

By submitting this form, you consent to our Terms of Use & Privacy Policy and to be contacted by us via Email/Call/Whatsapp/SMS.

Certificate Program in Nutrition Strategies for Lifelong Health and Wellness

Certificate Program in Nutrition Strategies for Lifelong Health and Wellness

Download Brochure
Apply Now

Application closes 5th Feb 2026

  • List icon

    Unique Curriculum

    Rigorous, evidence-based curriculum addressing critical areas of nutrient science, gut health, personalized nutrition across the lifespan, and chronic disease management

  • List icon

    World-Renowned Faculty

    Gain insights from distinguished Duke faculty through recorded lectures and live masterclasses, and live mentorship sessions by global health and wellness industry experts

overview icon

Program Outcomes

Turn Science into Daily Nutrition Habits

Make informed decisions with evidence-based, practical nutrition frameworks.

  • List icon

    Design effective meal plans and microbiome-informed dietary recommendations to meet energy and nutrient needs

  • List icon

    Formulate diet interventions to optimize body systems and manage chronic conditions

  • List icon

    Assess nutrition needs across the lifespan and adapt strategies for healthy aging

  • List icon

    Understand GLP-1 therapy and integrate sustainable, science-backed nutrition principles

Key program highlights

Why choose this program

  • List icon

    Live Faculty-Led Masterclasses

    Participate in live sessions conducted by Duke faculty and distinguished guest experts, offering evidence-based strategies in nutrition, health, and wellness

  • List icon

    Live Mentored Learning Sessions

    Engage in mentor-led sessions where industry experts present real-world cases, research-backed frameworks, and actionable tools for measurable results

  • List icon

    Hands-On Learning

    Through real-world case studies, research-backed frameworks, and practical tools that translate concepts into actionable strategies

  • List icon

    Science-Backed Curriculum

    Learn from a comprehensive curriculum covering nutrient science, energy balance, gut health, chronic disease prevention, microbiome support, and GLP-1 therapies

  • List icon

    Learning Support

    Get personalized assistance from a dedicated Program Manager, academic support through the Great Learning community, project discussion forums, and peer groups

  • List icon

    Earn Recognized Credentials

    Upon program completion, earn a globally recognized Certificate of Completion and Digital Badge from Duke University School of Medicine

Skills you will learn

Evidence-Based Nutrition

Personalized Nutrition Plans

Chronic Disease Management

GLP-1 Therapy Integration

Nutrient Science Fundamentals

Energy Balance Strategies

Gut Health Optimization

Microbiome Support Techniques

Evidence-Based Nutrition

Personalized Nutrition Plans

Chronic Disease Management

GLP-1 Therapy Integration

Nutrient Science Fundamentals

Energy Balance Strategies

Gut Health Optimization

Microbiome Support Techniques

view more

  • Overview
  • Learning Journey
  • Curriculum
  • Projects
  • Certificate
  • Faculty
  • Fees
optimal icon

This program is ideal for

Evidence-based, practical nutrition frameworks for professionals and enthusiasts in everyday life

  • Nutrition and Health Professionals

    Looking to learn about nutrition’s role in health and wellness, with an evidence-based approach to making informed decisions

  • Individuals and Fitness Professionals

    Exploring holistic strategies to help clients build a sustainable, healthy lifestyle or improve individual and family health

  • Healthcare Professionals

    Including non-clinical roles needing actionable nutrition frameworks for patient-centric strategies and enhanced health outcomes

  • Entrepreneurs and Product Owners

    Who want to combine science-backed nutrition expertise with innovative ideas to build and grow health-centric businesses

Experience a unique learning journey

Our pedagogy is designed to ensure a holistic learning experience

  • banner-image

    Learn from world-renowned faculty

    Learn critical concepts through live masterclasses and recorded video lectures by Duke faculty

  • banner-image

    Engage with your mentors

    Clarify your doubts and gain practical skills during weekly live sessions with industry experts

  • banner-image

    Work on hands-on projects

    Work on projects to apply the concepts & tools learnt in the module

  • banner-image

    Get personalized assistance

    Our dedicated program managers will support you through your learning journey

Comprehensive Curriculum

Designed by Duke faculty and delivered by top professors and practicing experts in nutrition and wellness, the curriculum for the Nutrition Certificate Course covers nutrient science, energy balance, and gut health throughout the lifespan. Advanced modules explore chronic disease prevention, microbiome support, and emerging therapies like GLP-1.

  • 8 Live Sessions

    With industry mentors

  • Monthly

    Live Masterclasses

  • Advanced Module

    On emerging therapies

MODULE 1: FOUNDATIONS OF NUTRITION & GUT HEALTH

In this module, learners are introduced to foundational nutrient science, energy balance, and gut physiology and are equipped with science-based frameworks to design balanced menus and implement microbiome-supportive strategies for digestive comfort and overall well-being.

WEEK 01: FOUNDATIONS OF NUTRIENT SCIENCE & ENERGY BALANCE

In this week, learners will be introduced to the roles of macronutrients and micronutrients, the distinction between nutrient-dense and calorie-dense foods, energy balance, and how to estimate caloric needs. This foundation will prepare them for upcoming topics on portioning and gut health. Topics Covered: 1. Functions and primary food sources of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats 2. Roles of vitamins and minerals in metabolism and immunity; common deficiencies 3. Energy balance, metabolism, and satiety 4. Portion frameworks, label literacy, and U.S. dietary guidelines

WEEK 02: MICRONUTRIENTS, DRI'S & MENU PLANNING

In this week, learners will be guided on converting energy and nutrient targets into balanced plates and practical portions, bridging the gap between what and how much to what happens inside. This will enable them to build cost-conscious menus that meet DRIs, address common deficiencies, and apply fortification and supplementation judiciously. Topics Covered: 1. Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI'S) 2. Micronutrient shortfalls across populations and food-first strategies 3. Calorie calculator: personalized estimation of energy needs 4. Online calculators, RMR measurement, and set point theory 5. Behavioral techniques that impact food intake

WEEK 03: GUT HEALTH: INTESTINAL ABSORPTION AND BARRIER FUNCTION

In this week, learners will explore digestion and absorption in the GI tract and the importance of barrier integrity, enabling symptom-aware meal planning linked to microbiome health. Topics Covered: 1. Overview of GI anatomy and nutrient absorption sites 2. Gut barrier integrity and common symptom patterns; when to refer 3. Dietary patterns that support mucosal health 4. Role of the gut microbiome in digestion, immunity, and overall health 5. Strategies to improve gut health through food choices

WEEK 04: FEEDING THE GUT MICROBIOME

In this week, learners will understand the role of prebiotics, probiotics, dietary fibers, and other key food components in supporting gut comfort and function. They will learn to design microbiome-supportive meal plans to improve symptom management and quality of life. Topics Covered: 1. Impact of specific prebiotics, probiotics, and dietary fiber on gut health 2. Fermented foods and plant diversity goals; practical inclusion strategies 3. Microbiome connections to immunity, mood, and inflammation 4. The gut-brain connection and its impact on eating behaviors 5. Tracking outcomes with food logs, GI comfort scales, and adherence cues

WEEK 05: LEARNING BREAK

Learning Break

MODULE 2: APPLIED NUTRITION ACROSS LIFESPAN, DISEASES, AND WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

In this module, learners will be equipped to tailor nutrition across life stages and build evidence-based plans to address obesity and cardiometabolic risks using food-first approaches. They will also be introduced to GLP-1 mechanisms, pharmacotherapy for weight management, and sustainable, low-waste eating practices.

WEEK 06: NUTRITION ACROSS THE LIFE SPAN

In this week, learners will explore nutritional requirements at different life stages, from pregnancy and infancy to older adulthood, enabling them to tailor nutrition plans and dietary needs for specific conditions. Topics Covered: 1. Pregnancy and lactation priorities: energy, protein, folate, iron, iodine, choline, and gestational diabetes aware planning 2. Infancy and childhood: growth, feeding practices, allergy awareness, and school day nutrition 3. Adolescence: growth spurts, sports participation, and developing food agency 4. Adulthood and midlife: menopause, weight management, and cardiometabolic health 5. Special dietary considerations for adults and elderly populations

WEEK 07: CHRONIC DISEASES AND WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

In this week, learners will explore food-as-medicine principles and behavior change strategies for managing obesity and cardiometabolic risk, with an emphasis on sleep, stress management, and physical activity. Topics Covered: 1. Human physiology in relation to food 2. Obesity and the role of nutrition in weight loss/gain 3. Energy balance vs. carb-insulin vs. protein leverage models of weight gain 4. Role of nutrition in reducing the risk of/managing chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease 5. Behavioral health in nutrition, and the role of nutrition in mental health: emotional and binge eating, body image, and the impact of sleep and stress

WEEK 08: GLP-1 AND PHARMACOTHERAPY FOR WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

In this week, learners will be introduced to GLP-1 mechanisms, indications, benefits, and risks of pharmacotherapy for weight management. They will learn to make informed decisions when recommending GLP-1 medications and design nutrition plans that preserve lean mass and manage side effects. Topics Covered: 1. Overview of pharmacotherapy for weight management: Existing drugs and their physiology 2. GLP-1 mechanisms, benefits (glycemic control, weight loss, cardiometabolic risk), monitoring, and common gastrointestinal side effects 3. Nutrition interventions alongside GLP-1 therapy for sustainable weight management: Ensuring protein adequacy, micronutrient sufficiency, fiber progression, and hydration 4. Ethics and prescription policies for weight management medication

WEEK 09: SUSTAINABLE & ETHICAL NUTRITION

In this week, learners will be guided to incorporate seasonal, local, budget-conscious, and low-waste food choices and meal-prep practices into nutrient-adequate plans, reinforcing plate-building skills for sustainable long-term habits. Topics Covered: 1. Health and environmental benefits of seasonal, local, and (where feasible) organic produce 2. Whole-food nutrition, culinary techniques, and health benefits 3. Food-waste audits, smart storage, batch cooking, and planning with leftovers 4. Environmental factors and food elements that impact health: obesogenic environment, endocrine disruptors, and microplastics

Work on hands-on projects and case studies

Engage in hands-on projects and real-world case studies using emerging tools across sectors

project icon

Nutrition & Gut Health

GUT-HEALTH IMPROVEMENT TRACKER

Description

Design a 30-day personal health plan incorporating prebiotic, probiotic, and high-fiber foods. Collect baseline and follow-up data on digestive comfort, mood, and inflammation markers. Analyze changes, summarize findings in a report, and provide recommendations for maintaining microbiome diversity.

project icon

Chronic Disease Management

PLANNING, SYMPTOM TRACKING, EVIDENCE-BASED RECOMMENDATIONS

Description

Select a prevalent condition (e.g., obesity or hypertension) and develop a research-backed dietary intervention. Outline nutrient targets, sample menus, behavior-change strategies, monitoring areas, measurable outcomes, and potential risks. Propose integration with existing medical care for clinicians or community health programs.

Certificate of Completion and Digital Badge from Duke University School of Medicine

Earn a globally recognized credential from a top U.S. university and showcase it to your network

certificate image

* Image for illustration only. Certificate subject to change.

Meet your faculty

Learn from renowned experts at Duke University

  • Dr. William Yancy - Faculty Director

    Dr. William Yancy

    Professor of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine

    Director, Duke Diet and Fitness Center; Expert in Obesity Medicine and Research

    Fellow of The Obesity Society, Board of Obesity Medicine Diplomate

    Know More
  • Dr. Michelle Ponder - Faculty Director

    Dr. Michelle Ponder

    Assistant Professor, Medicine - Endocrinology & Metabolism

    Board-certified in Obesity Medicine, specializing in obesity care

    Member of the Cardiometabolic Prevention Clinic at Duke

    Know More
  • Elisabetta Politi - Faculty Director

    Elisabetta Politi

    MPH, RD, LDN, CDCES, NBC-HWC, Clinical Dietitian

    Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist

    National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach

    Know More
  • Dr. Nitya Kumar - Faculty Director

    Dr. Nitya Kumar

    MD, ABOM

    Assistant Professor of Medicine, Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nutrition (2021)

    Board-certified endocrinologist specializing in obesity medicine

    Know More
  • Dr. Paul Edmund Wischmeyer - Faculty Director

    Dr. Paul Edmund Wischmeyer

    Professor of Anesthesiology, Department of Surgery

    Director of TPN/Nutrition Team, Duke

    Specializes in critical care, perioperative nutrition & recovery

    Know More
  • Dr. Dego V. Bohorquez - Faculty Director

    Dr. Dego V. Bohorquez

    Associate Professor of Medicine, Gastroenterology

    Pioneer in gut-brain biology

    Research, published in Nature Journal, on host-microbe effects on appetite, mood

    Know More
  • Steph Bryant - Faculty Director

    Steph Bryant

    Clinical Research Coordinator, Department of Pediatrics

    MPH, RD, LDN

    Former Dietitian at Duke Healthy Lifestyles

    Know More
  • Christopher B. Newgard - Faculty Director

    Christopher B. Newgard

    Professor of Nutrition, Duke School of Medicine

    Professor of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Professor in Medicine

    Director, Sarah W. Stedman Nutrition and Metabolism Center

    Know More
  • Sofia Rydin-Gray - Faculty Director

    Sofia Rydin-Gray

    Assoc. Prof. of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, DUSM

    Division Director of Adult Psychiatry and Psychology

    PhD in Clinical Psychology

    Know More
  • Connie Watkins Bales - Faculty Director

    Connie Watkins Bales

    Prof. Emeritus in Medicine, Duke University Medical Center

    Senior Fellow in the Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development

    Ph.D., University of Tennessee, Knoxville

    Know More

Course Fees

The course fee is USD 2,700

Invest in your career

  • benifits-icon

    Design effective meal plans and microbiome-informed dietary recommendations to meet energy and nutrient needs.

  • benifits-icon

    Formulate diet interventions to optimize body systems and manage chronic conditions.

  • benifits-icon

    Assess nutrition needs across the lifespan and adapt strategies for healthy aging.

  • benifits-icon

    Understand GLP-1 therapy and integrate sustainable, science-backed nutrition principles.

Multiple Payment Options

timer
00 : 00 : 00

Avail flexible Installment options

Unlock exclusive course sneak peek

Application Closes: 5th Feb 2026

Apply Now

Application Closes: 5th Feb 2026

Talk to our advisor for offers & course details

Schedule a call

Admission process

Conducted on a rolling basis and will be closed once the requisite number of candidates are enrolled

  • steps icon

    Submit Application

    Candidates can apply to the program online

  • steps icon

    Review

    Eligible applications will be reviewed by a panel from Great Learning

  • steps icon

    Join the Program

    An offer letter will be sent to the selected candidates

Course Eligibility

  • Ideal for professionals in nutrition, health, wellness, fitness, and healthcare seeking evidence-based frameworks to understand the role of nutrition in health and well-being.
  • The program is also relevant for those aiming to apply nutrition knowledge to enhance decision-making, drive health outcomes, and support innovation in personal, clinical, or business settings.

Limited seats available

Turn science into everyday nutrition practices

Apply Now

Certificate Program in Nutrition Strategies for Lifelong Health and Wellness

Download Brochure
Apply Now

phone icon Application Closes 5th Feb 2026

Got more questions? Talk to us

Connect with our advisors and get your queries resolved

Speak with our expert +19196363068 or email to nutritionstrategies@mygreatlearning.com

career guidance