Over the past month, former Miss Australia Tegan Martin has been peddling her new health coaching business to her 121,000 Instagram followers; a pursuit she described as her “passion and purpose in this lifetime”.
In a message posted her her account on June 28, the Sydney model said she would taking on “a small number” of clients once she launched her website in the coming months.
But according to emails obtained by The Daily Telegraph, at least one of those potential clients has not been provided with accurate information about Martin’s qualifications.
The outlet quotes a July 5 email in which Martin reportedly claimed to have “done two courses, one in nutrition and a health coaching cert at IIN the worlds [sic] leading school”, when she hasn’t, in fact, completed either.
According to the paper, Martin stated that she charges $300 for each 50 minute session.
IIN – the Institute for Integrative Nutrition – is a US-based company that offers an online course in health coaching – a role it describes as a “supportive mentor and wellness authority helping clients feel their best through food and lifestyle changes by tailoring individualized wellness programs to meet their clients’ needs.”
Graduates of the 12-month online program (which include controversial chef and wellness campaigner Pete Evans) receive a “certificate” in Health Coaching.
And the industry technically doesn’t demand anything further. Professional nutrition practice is not regulated in Australia, meaning there is no legal protection over the term ‘Nutritionist’. In other words, anyone can lay claim to the title.
In order to combat the loose nature of the industry, the Australian Society of Nutritionists has established a register of professionals that calls for a Bachelor degree or equivalent as a minimum requirement for inclusion. Far shy of IIN’s ‘certificate’.
Nonethless, Martin believes ‘health coaching’ is the way of the future, and even a solution for established disease.
“I truly believe health coaches will change the world and love watching many successful coaches around the world who often have had their own health struggles, continue to inspire and change peoples lives. I believe that no one can truly touch another human being unless they have walked a mile in their shoes,” she wrote on Instagram.
Mamamia has reached out to Tegan Martin for comment.
Top Comments
Oh my god, get a real job. A 'health coach' with no qualifications in health. And she tries to justify it.Unbelievable.
So, she's an unqualified shyster. Having a nicely styled Instagram account doesn't make you an expert on anything, honey.