Dr.Alok Purohit (PhD), Health Coach, Diabetes & Obesity educator
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the role of health coaches in promoting healthy lifestyles and producing better health outcomes. A health coach is a trained professional who works with individuals to develop personalized health plans and provide support and guidance as they work towards their health goals. In this essay, we will explore the reasons why a health coach can help produce better health outcomes and adherence to a healthy regime.
Personalized Support:
One of the primary reasons why a health coach can help produce better health outcomes is their ability to provide personalized support. Everyone’s health needs and goals are different, and a health coach can work with individuals to develop a customized plan that meets their unique needs. This personalized approach can help individuals stay motivated and engaged in their health journey, ultimately leading to better outcomes.
Accountability:
Another key benefit of working with a health coach is accountability. A health coach can provide regular check-ins and support to help individuals stay on track with their health goals. This accountability can be particularly helpful for individuals who struggle with self-motivation or need extra support to stick to a healthy regimen.
Behavioral Change:
Health coaches are trained in behavioral change techniques, which can be particularly effective in promoting healthy lifestyles. By helping individuals identify and overcome barriers to healthy behavior, a health coach can help facilitate lasting behavior change. This can ultimately lead to better health outcomes and a sustained commitment to healthy living.
Improved Adherence:
A health coach can also help improve adherence to a healthy regimen. This is particularly important for individuals who may struggle with sticking to a healthy diet or exercise routine. By providing ongoing support and guidance, a health coach can help individuals overcome obstacles and stay on track with their health goals.
A health coach can play an essential role in promoting healthy lifestyles and producing better health outcomes. His intervention, specially during chronic sickness, limited communication bandwidth with the physician, anxiety and stress about the unknown can be particularly helpful for individuals who struggle with self-motivation or need extra support to stick to a healthy regimen. As the importance of preventive care and healthy lifestyles continues to grow, the role of health coaches in empowering individuals will only become more important in promoting overall well-being.
References:
- Sforzo, G. A., Kaye, M. P., Todorova, I., Harenberg, S., Costello, K., Cobus-Kuo, L., … Faber, A. (2017). Compendium of the Health and Wellness Coaching Literature. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 11(6), 418–436. https://doi.org/10.1177/1559827617699798
- Wolever, R. Q., Simmons, L. A., Sforzo, G. A., Dill, D., Kaye, M., Bechard, E. M., … Yang, N. (2013). A Systematic Review of the Literature on Health and Wellness Coaching: Defining a Key Behavioral intervention in Healthcare. Global Advances in Health and Medicine, 2(4), 38–57. https://doi.org/10.7453/gahmj.2013.043
- Egger, G., & Binns, A. (2016). Coaching for Health: A New Approach to Chronic Disease Management for the 21st Century. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 5(7), 67. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm5070067