Online CPD Course for Healthcare Professionals
GLP-1RAs in Focus – Why Drugs Like Ozempic Work
Patients are asking about Ozempic. Colleagues are discussing Wegovy. GLP-1RAs are everywhere – but can you explain how they actually work?
This GLP-1 receptor agonist online course for healthcare professionals builds your foundation in GLP-1 physiology and pharmacology. You will understand the mechanisms, interpret the evidence critically and contribute confidently to treatment discussions – whether or not you prescribe.


WHO THIS COURSE IS FOR
Designed for healthcare professionals who want to confidently understand and discuss how GLP-1 receptor agonists work.
This concise course is ideal for: GPs, nurses, midwives, doctors, pharmacists, dieticians, diabetes specialists, surgeons, psychologists, mental health professionals, physiotherapists, and other health professionals – including non-prescribers who support patients or clients on GLP-1RA treatment pathways.
COURSE OVERVIEW
WHY THIS COURSE MATTERS NOW

“The NHS is rolling out new medications to support people living with obesity, helping prevent serious illness and reduce demand on services.” – NHS England, 2024 press release on GLP-1 access
With updated NICE guidance and phased NHS implementation, GLP-1RAs are becoming standard treatment across primary care, community services and specialist settings.
This GLP-1 online course gives you the foundation to:
- Understand where GLP-1RAs fit in NHS and primary care pathways
- Contribute confidently to treatment discussions, whether or not you prescribe
- Evaluate emerging GLP-1RA evidence critically, not just accept headlines
GLP-1RAs in Focus answers your critical questions:
1. What exactly is GLP-1 and how does it affect appetite and blood sugar?
Without understanding the physiological foundation, the pharmacology makes no sense.
2. Why are medications like liraglutide, semaglutide and tirzepatide so effective?
You need to understand the mechanisms to evaluate new studies and answer clinical questions with confidence.
3. How do GLP-1RAs compare to other medications licensed for obesity management and type 2 diabetes?
Patients will ask. Colleagues will ask. You need evidence based answers, not guesswork.
WHAT WILL I BE ABLE TO DO?
- Explain the science in plain language – When patients ask “how does this drug actually work?”, you will give clear answers they understand, not technical jargon
- Know what realistic outcomes look like – Understand why some patients respond better than others. Set appropriate expectations based on evidence, not media headlines
- Make sense of new research as it emerges – Have the foundational knowledge to quickly assess new GLP-1RA studies and understand what they actually mean for practice
- Hold your own in clinical discussions – Speak confidently about GLP-1RA mechanisms and evidence alongside specialists, even if you do not prescribe them yourself
WHAT STUDENTS SAY
“The course was very easy to understand and informative for all levels. Learning how to explain how GLP-1s work was really valuable.” – Practice Nurse
“The most useful aspect was to learn about the mechanisms of GLP-1 RAs, and the future of these drugs. I intend to tell my colleagues about this course.” – Health Coach (Type 2 Diabetes Specialist)
“Excellent and informative! My course rating? 10/10. The resource on current UK guidelines was really useful.” – Nurse
MEET YOUR EXPERT EDUCATORS
This course is designed and delivered by experts in clinical care and healthcare education. It brings you up-to-date,
evidence-based training in obesity, metabolic health and diabetes care.

Professor Mike Bewick, FRCP, FRCGP
GP, former Deputy Medical Director, NHS England
Mike presents the core video lectures, guiding you through key concepts and evidence in an accessible, clinically-relevant way.

Nigel Hinchliffe, BSc (Hons), MSc
CCH Director of Education
As the course author, Nigel ensures each section is grounded in the latest research and aligned with current clinical best practice.
WHAT IS COVERED IN THE COURSE?
Part 1 – Introduction to GLP-1 physiology (21 mins)
- What is GLP-1?
- Role in glucose-dependent insulin secretion
- Influence on appetite regulation and gastric emptying
- Other functions of GLP-1
- A brief recap
Part 2 – GLP-1 receptor agonists: Mechanisms of action (26 mins)
- Overview of key GLP-1 receptor agonists
- Drug design and development
- Impact on glucose and appetite regulation
- Mechanistic insights from selected research
- A brief recap
Part 3 – Impact of GLP-1RAs: The scientific evidence (22 mins)
- Weight loss outcomes and glycaemic improvements
- Comparative effectiveness among GLP-1RAs
- Cardiovascular benefits
- Ongoing and future research
- A brief recap
Part 4 – GLP-1RA drugs vs other treatments (20 mins)
- Comparison with other type 2 diabetes treatments
- Comparison with other anti-obesity medications
- Implications for treatment selection
Part 5 – Certificate (20 mins)
- Course recap & Resources
- Certification assessment
- Post-course questionnaire
- Applying what you have learned
- Your certificate
Other material (10 mins)
- Downloadable resources to use in practice
- Curated reading list on GLP-1RA obesity medications
HOW WILL I LEARN?
- Video presentations with full transcripts
- Interactive e-learning units
- Downloadable resources for immediate use in practice
- Curated further reading
- End-of-course quiz to consolidate your learning
- Certificate of Completion
IS THIS SHORT COURSE RIGHT FOR ME?
- You need to understand GLP-1RA mechanisms before you are asked to explain them
- You want to evaluate new GLP-1RA evidence critically, not just accept what you read
- Patients are asking about weight loss medications and you want solid answers
- You recognise this is foundational knowledge you cannot afford to miss
THE PRICE AND WHAT IS INCLUDED
- Course price: £49.00
- 2 hours expert-led CPD training
- Practical Toolkit on prescribing GLP-1RA medications
- Downloadable transcripts for easy reference
- CCH Certificate of Completion
- Immediate access – start learning in the next 10 minutes

