Why weight loss is a side effect of health coaching
There is no doubt that weight loss is a major concern with nearly 74% of American adults aged 20 and over struggling with weight and obesity. Often clients come to health coaching with the primary goal to lose weight.
While weight loss is critical to prevent adverse health outcomes, taking a step back to take in the whole picture can be beneficial in long term change. Through careful discussion and assessment of all contributing areas of health, a health coach provides an opportunity to shine a light on areas a client may not have previously considered. How we live, work and play influences our health. Through mindful listening, open-ended inquiry and motivational interviewing, a skilled coach can provide space for growth that allows for more creative thinking and lasting changes. It’s easy to blame poor diet and lack of exercise, however factors such as sleep, stress management, mindfulness, relationships, physical environment, and lack of personal or professional development shape an individual’s overall health.
Health coaches guide appropriate goal setting and partner with the client to design and implement “just right” action steps towards their goal. It’s human nature to want something so badly that we continually try to muscle our way to an outcome. Taking a holistic approach to weight loss lends itself to loosening our grip on the outcome and focusing on the little things that are moving us toward weight loss. Tending to the little things creates positive momentum and makes us feel better. When we feel better, we make better choices again and again.
If you need help getting started, reach out to a certified health coach for help taking that first step.
Fryar CD, Carroll MD, Afful J. Prevalence of overweight, obesity, and severe obesity among adults aged 20 and over: United States, 1960–1962 through 2017–2018. NCHS Health E-Stats. 2020.
