FMCA Health Coaching Study Published in Medicine®

Functional Medicine Coaching Academy is committed to furthering the field of health coaching through science-backed research. In partnership with the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), FMCA is excited to announce that the results of our recent research study have been published in Medicine – “Functional medicine health coaching improved elimination diet compliance and patient-reported health outcomes: Results from a randomized controlled trial.”

FMCA conducted a randomized controlled trial to determine if client health outcomes and dietary compliance improved when working with a health coach. Participants in the study were put on the IFM elimination diet. Some received virtual health coaching assistance, while the control group self-guided through the diet.

The results showed that health coaching can make a difference when it comes to elimination diet compliance. What’s more, participants showed improved outcomes in health and quality of life after completing the elimination diet. Here is a closer look at the research, the IFM elimination diet, and the study results.

FMCA Research Study

A key factor in our research was the implementation of the IFM Elimination Diet. As part of their training, IFM physicians participate in the elimination diet. The elimination diet can be difficult to follow, so by completing the diet, IFM physicians have insight into the struggles their patients might face. Supporting patients through this difficult program is where health coaching can make a difference.

What is the Elimination Diet?

The elimination diet is recognized as the gold standard in identifying non-IgE, non-anaphylactic food sensitivities and intolerances. It is a useful tool for optimizing health, but compliance with the diet can be difficult for participants.

Approximately 11% of US adults have food allergies. However, food sensitivities and intolerances are much more common. This is where the elimination diet comes into play. To help determine which foods are causing unhealthy symptoms such as inflammation, digestion problems, skin irritation, and more, the elimination diet removes certain foods and food groups from patient diets.

The IFM Elimination Diet is a three-week program designed to clear the body of foods that patients may be sensitive or allergic to. After removing the foods, and allowing the body to clear out any remaining traces, patients carefully reintroduce foods. From here, patients can monitor which foods trigger symptoms or reactions.

While the elimination diet is a great way to remove triggering foods, support the gut microbiome, reduce inflammation, and increase phytonutrient intake, it is not a long-term dietary solution. This is an evaluation tool. Long-term dietary restrictions such as the elimination diet have been associated with nutrient deficiencies. A diverse diet is the best way to ensure proper nutrition.

Health Coaching and the Elimination Diet

Health coaches are trained to help their clients overcome challenges, support clients as they make sustainable behavior changes, and assist their clients in reaching their health and wellness goals. Given the difficulty of the elimination diet, ensuring participants have access to a health coach seems a great way to keep them on track. Functional medicine health coaches specifically are particularly suited for helping clients with elimination diets.

In the FMCA and IFM study, one of two groups of participants was offered health coaching support while on the diet. Throughout the study, this group had five virtual health coaching sessions from FMCA-trained functional medicine-certified health coaches. They used coaching techniques like positive psychology and their knowledge of functional nutrition, mind-body medicine, and the psychology of eating to support participants through the elimination diet program.

Does Health Coaching Improve Compliance and Outcomes?

Our randomized controlled trial was conducted to determine if access to health coaching services would improve compliance and patient-reported global health outcomes. The study and elimination diet participants were all healthcare professionals from the fall 2022 Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice training module offered by IFM. The health coaches that worked with participants were all FMCA-trained certified health coaches.

Over ten weeks, two groups participated in the elimination diet. The control group self-guided through the diet. When physicians prescribe an elimination diet, most patients self-guide. The second group was offered five virtual health coaching sessions to support them through the diet.

The Results

At the end of the study, the data collected looked at diet compliance and patient-reported surveys. Data showed that functional medicine health coaching support improved both dietary compliance and health outcomes versus a self-guided approach.

The CONSORT flow diagram details the study participant eligibility assessment, randomization, and follow-up.