What ICF standard of ethical conduct might be violated by claiming "work with me to lose 30 pounds in 30 days"?

Claiming "work with me to lose 30 pounds in 30 days" would primarily violate the standard of Professional Conduct at Large. This standard encompasses ethical practices that are expected of professionals, emphasizing the importance of setting realistic and attainable goals for clients. Such a claim can be seen as misleading or unrealistic, as it promotes a specific outcome without considering individual differences in health, metabolism, lifestyle, and adherence to diet or exercise programs.

The assertion suggests a guaranteed result, which is not only ethically questionable but could also undermine the client's autonomy and responsibility in the coaching process. The focus of health and wellness coaching should ideally be on supporting clients to make informed, sustainable behavior changes rather than making promises that can lead to disappointment or harm.

While the other standards touch upon important ethical elements—like maintaining confidentiality, managing conflicts of interest, and appropriate conduct with clients—they do not directly connect to the misleading nature of a weight loss claim in the same way that the Professional Conduct at Large standard does.