Health coaching helps individuals make lasting improvements in their health and well-being, making weight and diabetes management more effective and manageable in the long run by focusing on sustainable behavior changes, personalized strategies and ongoing support. There is strong clinical evidence that health and wellness coaching can assist patients in their efforts to lose weight and maintain weight loss through healthy lifestyle behaviors. Moreover, coaching is shown to facilitate patient medication adherence, as documented by pharmacy claims.

In light of the new diabetes guidelines, it is not surprising that we are seeing increased utilization of GLP-1s. In fact, over the past several years, plan spending on GLP-1s relative to other medications has increased significantly since 2023.

In 2024, Plans That Cover Weight-Loss Medication Spent 38.3 Times What They Spent in 2018

Source: Segal’s SHAPE data warehouse 2018 to 2024

What is health coaching?

Health coaching is a collaborative process between a trained professional and an individual seeking to achieve specific health-related goals. Coaches use motivational interviewing, goal-setting techniques and behavior-modification strategies to empower clients to make sustainable changes in areas such as nutrition, physical activity, stress management and overall wellness.

The role of a health coach

The role of a health coach is multifaceted, involving:

• Assessment and goal setting. Coaches start by assessing an individual’s current health status, lifestyle habits and personal goals. This personalized approach ensures that the coaching process is tailored to the person’s specific needs.
• Education and resources. Coaches provide valuable information on nutrition, exercise and wellness practices. They provide tools and resources so the people they coach can implement changes effectively.
• Motivation and accountability. One of the primary roles of a health coach is to motivate people and hold them accountable for their progress. Regular check-ins and encouragement help people stay committed to their goals.
• Support behavior change. Coaches guide people through the behavior-change process, addressing obstacles and fostering resilience. They help people develop strategies to overcome challenges and maintain their commitment to healthier choices.

How health coaching helps your people

Health coaching offers numerous benefits, including:

• Improved health outcomes. Studies show that individuals who work with health coaches experience improvements in various health metrics, such as weight loss, reduced cholesterol and better blood pressure control. For example, a Department of Veterans Affairs report on the effectiveness of health coaching found that self-identified health coaching interventions have the potential to produce small positive, statistically significant effects on decreasing HbA1c levels, reducing body mass index, increasing physical activity and reducing dietary fat.
• Increased engagement. People who work with coaches often report higher levels of engagement in their health and wellness journey, leading to sustained lifestyle changes.
• Personalized support: Unlike generic wellness programs, health coaching provides tailored strategies that resonate with individual clients, making it more effective in achieving lasting results.
• Enhanced productivity. Healthier individuals tend to be more productive at work. For more information about the relationship between health and productivity, see Health and Wellness Coaching for Sustainable Business Outcomes, a 2023 report by the Global Wellness Institute. By addressing health issues, organizations can reduce absenteeism and increase participant performance.

The value of health coaching for your organization

Your organizations can derive significant value from integrating health coaching into its existing health-management programs, including:

• Enhanced wellness: By investing in health coaching, organizations promote a culture of wellness that benefits participant morale and overall job satisfaction.
• Reduced healthcare costs: Health coaching can lead to lower healthcare expenditures by preventing chronic diseases and reducing the need for medical interventions.
• Improved retention and recruitment: By prioritizing participant well-being through health coaching, your organization may be able to retain talent more effectively and be more attractive to potential participants.

Selecting the right health coaching solution for your organization

When selecting a health coaching program for your organization, it's crucial to follow a structured approach:

• Define objectives. Identify clear goals — whether it’s reducing healthcare costs, improving participant engagement, promoting wellness and/or addressing specific health concerns.
• Assess participant needs. Use surveys or focus groups to gather insights into participants' health interests and concerns to tailor the program effectively.
• Research vendors. Choose reputable health coaching vendors based on their experience, certifications and specializations.
• Evaluate program offerings. Ensure the coaching services (e.g., one-on-one sessions, group workshops, online tools or telehealth options) align with participant preferences.
• Check references. Contact other organizations that have used the vendor’s services to gauge their satisfaction and outcomes.
• Consider integration. Ensure the program complements your existing wellness initiatives, such as fitness programs, mental health support or chronic condition management.

Maintaining a health coaching program

Once a program is selected, both careful implementation and evaluation of effectiveness are essential:

• Set clear goals. Define specific objectives like improving participant health, reducing stress or boosting engagement.
• Do baseline assessments. Conduct initial health screenings and wellness assessments to gauge participants’ starting points.
• Monitor participation rates. Track engagement levels to determine the program’s relevance and appeal.
• Gather participant feedback. Regularly collect input from participants to assess satisfaction and identify areas for improvement.
• Measure health outcomes. Track improvements in metrics like weight loss, blood pressure and physical activity over time.
• Adapt and iterate. Use evaluation data to continuously refine and improve the program for optimal participant outcomes.

By following these steps, your organization can ensure it maintains a health coaching program that delivers meaningful, long-term benefits.

Health coaching represents a valuable investment for both individuals and organizations

Health coaching offers essential support, guidance and motivation. Whether clients are using GLP-1 medications for weight loss, blood sugar regulation or improving metabolic health, a certified health coach can optimize their treatment by focusing on behavior change, nutrition, emotional well-being and long-term success. By addressing the full spectrum of physical, mental and emotional health, health coaching ensures that individuals don’t just depend on medication but instead create meaningful, lasting changes that foster overall wellness.

Choosing the right health coaching program can be overwhelming, which is where the expertise of a consultant becomes invaluable. Consultants help clients navigate the wide array of options, ensuring the program selected is perfectly aligned with their unique needs and goals.