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Unpacking the Role of a Health Coach and How They Can Improve Your Life

Writer's picture: Dr JulesDr Jules

Health coaches are much more popular in the U.S, being employed in businesses to help staff improve their health and wellbeing.


In General Practice, 60% of what we see is preventable. Chronic diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes, Heart disease, Stroke, Obesity and some cancers could be prevented if our environment was adjusted to focus on prevention, but this issue is complex and would take an entire book to discuss. People live in constant guilt that they are not doing enough to prevent that weight gain or avoidable medical condition, but our society, our environment makes it impossible. We all know we should exercise more and eat less but frankly this advice is unhelpful and just adds more guilt.


This is where a health coach can help.


At its core, a health coach is a mentor, a supporter of an individual’s journey to better health. They work collaboratively with clients, helping them set and achieve personalised health goals, whether it be weight management, stress reduction, sleep habits, or lifestyle changes. A health coach will think holistically about a client, so rather than concentrating solely on diet and exercise, they consider the interconnectedness of various aspects of life. In order to help a client feel empowered to make lasting health changes, a health coach understands that each individual is unique and they have specific needs, preferences and challenges. Through education, motivation, and ongoing support, they equip clients with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed choices. In essence, a health coach will help the client make a plan that is evidence based but also realistic, achievable, and personal to them. They would then provide ongoing support, helping to mould the plan, set future goals and overcome challenges as time passes.


Where the healthcare system is set up for providing medical care and treatment, health coaches can help bridge the gap by providing continuous, personalised support for preventative lifestyle changes. We could potentially save the NHS millions by reducing the chronic disease burden.


I see patients regularly who are struggling with various symptoms such as fatigue, changes in bowel habits, joint pain, poor sleep, depression, and the list goes on. I wish I had more time to explore and discuss lifestyle in depth, followed by ongoing coaching. Why? Because I know that with time and support, many of these patients could feel considerably better without the need for medications or ongoing referrals, whilst making lasting changes to their health. And just maybe we could take away the constant guilt about always trying to do more and be better, and enjoy life.

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