100+ Studies That Show Health Coaching Works

Explore over 100 studies proving the power of health coaching to transform lives. From managing chronic conditions to improving patient outcomes, the evidence is clear: health coaching works. Dive into the research and discover why it’s becoming a cornerstone of modern healthcare.

Does health coaching actually work? A growing body of scientific evidence gives a clear answer: YES.

It’s easy to see why health coaching is spreading so rapidly: it works.

Doctors, patients, and researchers alike are turning to coaching as a solution to our most pressing healthcare challenges. Scholars from across the healthcare landscape are investing significant time and resources into exploring how coaching can transform patient outcomes. As a result, the evidence supporting health coaching’s effectiveness as a medical intervention continues to grow at an impressive pace.

Research shows that health coaching is not only effective on its own, it also complements other evidence-based practices.

Coaches help patients better manage their health, reinforcing the benefits of traditional treatments and making the care process more comprehensive and holistic. This synergy between health coaching and other practices enhances the overall impact of both approaches on patient outcomes.

Building a strong evidence base for health coaching is critical for its future. Plentiful evidence of efficacy will generate more attention and interest in health coaching. This in turn will lead more patients to seek it out, more doctors to prescribe it, and more hospital networks, insurance companies, and governments to adopt it as a strategy for managing their populations’ healthcare needs.

That’s why the current surge of research interest in health coaching is so exciting—it signals that the medical establishment is embracing the field. They see, firsthand, the evidence of coaching’s efficacy.

With more and more evidence emerging every month, it’s an incredible time to be a health coach. Read on to explore all the ways health coaching works, or use the navigation on the right to jump to a section.

Healthy Eating and Food Plan Compliance Studies

Healthier eating is one of the most common reasons people seek health coaching. Clients who want to make better food choices may need help with intentional weight loss (more on that here), incorporating more whole foods or specific nutrients, or adapting to a prescribed food plan. A health coach can be the key to turning frustration into lasting success. As behavior change experts, health coaches help clients build new habits, overcome barriers to change, and create a healthier, more sustainable relationship with food. Explore the research below to see how health coaches make a difference.

Did you know? The journal Medicine published FMCA’s study showing that health coaching improves patient food plan compliance and health outcomes.

Check out the study

Exercise and Movement Health Coaching Studies

Regular exercise is a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle, and health coaches play a vital role in helping clients make it a reality. Whether the goal is adding more activity to their daily routine, improving their fitness levels, or following a prescribed movement plan, research shows that clients benefit from the guidance and support of a coach. By focusing on realistic goals and creating sustainable exercise rhythms, health coaches help clients make movement an enjoyable and lasting part of their lives. Check out the research below.

Weight Management and Obesity Studies

Intentional weight loss and managing weight are complex challenges that go far beyond simple diet plans or exercise routines. Health coaches provide the personalized support and accountability clients need to navigate this journey effectively. By helping clients explore their motivations, identify barriers, and develop sustainable lifestyle changes, coaches empower them to achieve and maintain healthy weight goals.

Research shows that this individualized, client-centered approach can lead to meaningful and lasting results. Explore the studies below to learn more.

Diabetes and Health Coaching Studies

Managing diabetes often requires significant lifestyle change. This might include monitoring blood sugar levels, adjusting diet and activity habits, or starting new medications. Health coaches play a pivotal role in supporting clients through these complex and often overwhelming changes.

By providing education, encouragement, and strategies for sustainable behavior change, coaches help clients take control of their health and better manage their condition. Research highlights the positive impact coaching can have on people living with diabetes. See the studies below for more insights.

Heart Health and Health Coaching Studies

Heart disease remains a leading cause of death worldwide, but many of its risk factors—like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and lifestyle habits—can be managed or improved with the right support. That’s where health coaches come in, working with clients to adopt heart-healthy behaviors. Together, coach and client might work to improve nutrition, increase physical activity, and manage stress. By empowering clients to adopt new habits, coaches contribute to better cardiovascular outcomes and overall well-being. Explore the research below to see how health coaching supports heart health.

Brain, Mental, and Behavioral Health Studies

A healthy brain, along with positive mental and behavioral health, is integral to overall well-being. Research increasingly shows that health coaches effectively support clients through challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, autism, and cognitive decline. By helping clients build coping strategies, improve lifestyle factors (including nutrition, sleep, and exercise), and develop healthier thought patterns, coaches can make a significant impact on mental and emotional health. Explore the studies below for more insights.

Sleep and Stress Health Coaching Studies

Sleep and stress are deeply interconnected, and both play a central role in overall health. Chronic stress can disrupt sleep, and poor sleep can heighten stress levels, creating a cycle that’s hard to break. Health coaches help clients identify stressors, improve relaxation techniques, and establish healthy sleep routines. By working together, coaches support clients in reducing stress and achieving better, more restorative sleep, which enhances overall well-being. Read on to learn how health coaching supports sleep and stress management.

Cancer and Health Coaching Studies

A cancer diagnosis can be complex and overwhelming. Health coaching can provide much-needed support during treatment and recovery. Coaches help clients manage the physical and emotional aspects of cancer care, offering guidance on nutrition, exercise, stress reduction, and cultivating a positive mindset.

By fostering resilience and helping clients navigate lifestyle changes, health coaches play an essential role in improving quality of life and supporting overall well-being throughout the cancer journey. Explore the research below to learn more about how health coaching can benefit those affected by cancer.

Other Chronic Illnesses and Health Coaching Studies

This section includes research into coaching’s effectiveness in managing chronic illnesses such as COPD, chronic kidney disease, sarcopenia, and chronic fatigue, among others. These conditions can severely impact quality of life, and health coaches can make a difference with tailored support to improve lifestyle habits, manage symptoms, and foster positive mental and emotional health. Read on to explore how health coaching can support individuals with these conditions.

Non-Condition-Specific Studies of Health Coaching

In addition to research focused on specific health conditions, studies also explore the broader applications of health coaching across various settings and populations. This section features research on: 

  • How coaching can alleviate healthcare system problems such as physician burnout
  • The efficacy of remote/virtual coaching
  • Coaching’s impacts on diverse demographic groups

These studies emphasize the versatility and far-reaching potential of health coaching to improve health outcomes and address unique challenges. Read on to learn more about the ways health coaching makes a difference.

Health Coaching Through Virtual Care/Telehealth

  • Initial Perspectives From Rural-Residing Adults on a Digital Cognitive Health Coaching Intervention: Exploratory Qualitative Analysis | JMIR Formative Research | 2024 | Read the study
  • Patient Perspectives on Lifestyle Medicine Virtual Group Visits | American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine | 2024 | Read the study
  • Factors influencing engagement in in-person and remotely delivered lifestyle interventions for young adults with serious mental illness: A qualitative study | Early Intervention in Psychiatry | 2024 | Read the study
  • The effect of telephone health coaching and remote exercise monitoring for peripheral artery disease (TeGeCoach) on health care cost and utilization: results of a randomized controlled trial | European Journal of Health Economics | 2024 | Read the study
  • Digital Coaching to Address Health, Wellness, and Burnout Among Healthcare Workers: Pilot Study Results | Workplace Health & Safety | 2024 | Read the study
  • Acceptability of a remotely delivered sedentary behaviour intervention to improve sarcopenia and maintain independent living in older adults with frailty: a mixed-methods study | BMC Geriatrics | 2024 | Read the study
  • Clinical and cost-effectiveness of remote-delivered, online lifestyle therapy versus psychotherapy for reducing depression: results from the CALM non-inferiority, randomised trial | The Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific | 2024 | Read the study
  • A Novel Virtual-Based Comprehensive Clinical Approach to Headache Care | Journal of Clinical Medicine | 2023 | Read the study
  • Mobile Behavioral Health Coaching as a Preventive Intervention for Occupational Public Health: Retrospective Longitudinal Study | JMIR Formative Research | 2023 | Read the study
  • Mobile Health Intervention in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial | JAMA Network Open | 2023 | Read the study
  • StepAdd: A personalized mHealth intervention based on social cognitive theory to increase physical activity among type 2 diabetes patients | Journal of Biomedical Informatics | 2023 | Read the study
  • Analyzing the Effectiveness of mHealth to Manage Diabetes Mellitus Among Adults Over 50: A Systematic Literature Review | Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare | 2023 | Read the study
  • A Complex mHealth Coaching Intervention to Prevent Overweight, Obesity, and Diabetes in High-Risk Women in Antenatal Care: Protocol for a Hybrid Type Effectiveness-Implementation Study | JMIR Research Protocols | 2023 | Read the study
  • A Remotely Coached Multimodal Lifestyle Intervention for Alzheimer’s Disease Ameliorates Functional and Cognitive Outcomes | Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease | 2023 | Read the study
  • A pilot retrospective study of a physician-directed and genomics-based model for precision lifestyle medicine | Frontiers in Medicine | 2023 | Read the study
  • Digital health coaching to improve patient preparedness for elective lower limb arthroplasty: a quality improvement project | BMJ Open Quality | 2023 | Read the study
  • GamerFit-ASD beta test: adapting an evidence-based exergaming and telehealth coaching intervention for autistic youth | Frontiers in Pediatrics | 2023 | Read the study
  • Determinants of physical activity maintenance and the acceptability of a remote coaching intervention following supervised exercise oncology rehabilitation: a qualitative study | Journal of Cancer Survivorship | 2023 | Read the study

Next Steps Now That You Know Health Coaching Is Effective

Stay tuned for research updates! As new studies are published, we’ll continue to add them to this page, so you’ll always have a resource to turn to as health coaching evolves and grows.

One more thing:

If you found yourself drawn to this research, it might be because you have the curiosity, love of learning, or drive to help others feel better that make a great health coach.

Have you ever thought about using those gifts to help others?

If the idea of working as a health coach feels exciting, we’d love to help you learn more about it:

Let’s dive in. Explore your Health Coach Certification with FMCA here.

Learn more

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