What Does A Health Coach Do?

The healthcare industry is in a crisis. Chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes continue to rise, a problem that’s compounded by escalating medical coverage costs. A health coach can step in to help bridge the gap in traditional healthcare.

The health coaching market is forecasted to grow at a 5.4% average annual pace, becoming a $7.85 billion industry by 2022, with approximately 121,000 coaches predicted to be practicing. According to a study conducted by Marketdata LLC, there are an estimated 109,000 health coaches and health educators combined that are currently working in the United States.

So what exactly does a health coach do?

Health and wellness coaches are part wellness authority, part supportive mentor, and part behavior change specialist. They partner with clients who are seeking to enhance their well-being through self-directed, lasting changes in alignment with their values. Health coaches often work with clients to implement individualized food and lifestyle changes that meet the client’s unique needs and health goals. In the course of their work, health and wellness coaches display unconditional positive regard for their clients and a belief in clients’ capacity for change. They honor that each client is an expert on their own life, ensuring that all interactions are respectful and non-judgmental.

Health coaches provide their services in a few ways. They may provide one-on-one or group sessions offered through their own private coaching business or in collaboration with doctors and other wellness providers. Their role includes but is not limited to:

• Providing a positive relationship that empowers the client to make lasting changes for better health and well-being
• Offering clients support, accountability, collaboration, education, and resources
• Translating a practitioner or doctor’s plan of care into a plan of action
• Assisting with dietary changes, food plans, and physical activity protocols

Health coaches empower their clients to take charge of their health, to meet and exceed their wellness goals, and to create lasting change. Coaches provide accountability and a personalized approach, and they help the client tap into their motivation and overcome roadblocks in order to continue moving forward. Many health coaching clients report improved quality of life, physical health improvements, improved emotional well-being, and feeling less stressed.

Does the role of a health coach resonate with you?
If so, we invite you to learn more about becoming a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach through our award-winning and internationally connected online certification program.

Published: December 18, 2020 // Updated: July 20, 2021