If a coach promotes losing 20 pounds in one week after taking a supplement daily, which guideline is being violated?

When a coach promotes losing 20 pounds in just one week through the use of a supplement, they are likely violating ethical standards centered around the promotion of health and wellness. The International Coach Federation (ICF) Standards of Ethical Conduct emphasize the importance of honesty, integrity, and the necessity of maintaining client trust. Promoting a rapid weight loss like 20 pounds in such a short timeframe raises red flags regarding the validity of the claim and the potential risks to clients' health.

Rapid weight loss can be unhealthy and unsustainable, and ethical standards prioritize the well-being of clients over sensational promises or quick fixes. Coaches are advised to provide realistic, evidence-based guidance that supports a client’s health holistically. The ICF's guidelines reflect the importance of coaches acting responsibly and with the best interest of clients, which includes avoiding recommendations that could lead to unsafe practices. Thus, the scenario illustrates a violation of these ethical principles by promoting unrealistic outcomes linked to supplement use.