Today we’re talking health coaching. A term that can sound a bit buzzword-y, but stick with us – because it’s so much more than that. You might have also heard it called Life Coaching, but we’ll get to that later…
A health coach isn’t about telling you to eat your greens or hit the gym. It’s about helping you discover what truly makes you tick, guiding you through the ups and downs of life, and empowering you to live your healthiest, happiest self. Whether you’re feeling a bit stuck or just curious about how to bring more balance into your world, a health coach could be the game-changer you didn’t know you needed.
So What Exactly Is Health Coaching?
Think of health coaching as having your very own personal guide – but for your health, wellness and happiness. It’s a personalised approach to wellbeing that goes beyond the usual diet and exercise tips. A health coach works with you to create sustainable, healthy habits that fit into your life, not someone else’s. Whether it’s eating better, moving more, or managing stress, a health coach is there to guide you, keep you motivated, and help you overcome any barriers that might be holding you back.
One of the things that makes health coaching so special is its focus on you – your goals, your challenges, your lifestyle. No more one-size-fits-all advice. This bespoke approach means you’re far more likely to stick with the changes you make, leading to long-lasting results. And it’s not just about the physical side of things; health coaching covers all aspects of your life, including mental and emotional wellbeing, ensuring a holistic approach to health.
For example, say you’re juggling a busy job, family commitments, and trying to squeeze in some sort of social life—sound familiar? A health coach helps you navigate all that. They might work with you to identify stress triggers, develop strategies to improve your sleep, or even find ways to incorporate more movement into your day that doesn’t feel like a chore. It’s all about what works for you.
Another example could be if you’re someone who’s tried every diet under the sun but still feels a bit lost when it comes to food. A health coach won’t hand you a one-size-fits-all plan. Instead, they’ll help you explore your relationship with food, understand what your body needs, and find a sustainable way to nourish yourself—no guilt, no fads, just a healthy balance.
In short, a health coach is like your personal guide to wellbeing, a self-help book penned with only you in mind. They’re there to help you set goals, stay accountable, and make meaningful changes that last. It’s about creating a life that feels good inside and out, with a bit of extra support along the way.
Is a Health Coach the same as a Life Coach?
As a relatively new field of practice, health coaching has a few different names; health and wellness coaching; health and wellbeing coaching; wellness coaching; wellbeing coaching. And then of course there’s life coaching – but what’s the difference?
A life coach is like your go-to person for the bigger picture stuff. Think of them as someone who helps you figure out where you want to go in life and how to get there. Whether you’re feeling stuck in your career, wanting to improve your relationships, or just need a bit of guidance on what’s next for you, a life coach is there to help you uncover your goals, work through any roadblocks, and create a plan that aligns with your dreams and values. They’re all about helping you live a life that feels purposeful and fulfilling.
Now, a health coach, on the other hand does all of this – whilst also zooming in a bit more on your physical and emotional wellbeing. They’re all about helping you create healthier habits that stick—whether that’s with your nutrition, fitness, sleep, or stress management. They dig deeper into your lifestyle to understand what’s really going on so that you can achieve the bigger picture stuff. Maybe you’re struggling with energy levels, dealing with chronic stress, or just not feeling your best. A health coach helps you navigate those challenges, offering support and guidance tailored to your unique needs. Focussing in on these important areas of your health, wellness and lifestyle is a fantastic strategy for working out what is really important to you, identify parts of your life that you may wish to make changes to and helping you actually do that.
Nicki Chandraraj, is one of our Life & Health Coaches at the Dr Indra Practice. We asked Nicki how bigger picture Life Coaching comes into her work….
“Health coaching for me goes beyond just discussing health, fitness, and nutrition. I often incorporate the ‘Wheel of Life’ in my sessions to help clients assess how balanced and content they feel in all areas of their lives.
While health and wellbeing are central, we also dive into other crucial aspects like family, relationships, career, finances, personal growth, recreation, and the environment they live and work in. I believe that by exploring and coaching on all these areas, we can truly enrich overall satisfaction, happiness, and contentment in life.”
Nicki Chandraraj, Life & Health Coach
We also have Bobby Sira in our team who is an Integrative Pharmacist, and a Life & Health Coach.
“Life and health coaching is incredibly beneficial because it recognises that every part of our life is interconnected—nothing can be viewed in isolation. Empowered by the knowledge that mind and body are inseparable, coaching addresses both aspects together, understanding that you cannot improve one without positively impacting the other. By focusing on your whole life we can maximise your health potential while maintaining balance in all areas—physiology, psychology, and spirit— creating a more harmonious and fulfilling life.”
Bobby Sira, Integrative Pharmacist / Life & Health Coach
One important thing to know: many health coaches, like Nicki and Bobby here at the Dr Indra Practice, are part of accredited organisations like the UK & International Health Coaching Association or the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy (FMCA). This means they’re not just giving you advice based on opinion; they follow an evidence-based approach. This ensures that the guidance they provide is backed by research and best practices in the health and wellness field. Health coaches are trained to use proven methods to help you improve your wellbeing, which adds a layer of credibility and assurance that you’re in good hands.
Why Is Health Coaching So Important?
The truth is, we’re facing some serious health challenges here in the UK – rising rates of chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity are putting a huge strain on our NHS. Not to mention our increasingly stressful lives, hectic schedules and deskbound jobs. Traditional healthcare often focuses on treating these conditions after they’ve developed, but health coaching takes a different approach. It’s not just about prevention; it’s also about helping those who already have existing conditions make better life choices to improve, manage, or even reverse their health challenges.
Health coaching is about thriving – whether you’re looking to prevent illness or to live your best life despite an existing condition. With a health coach by your side, you have someone to support you in making lasting changes that can boost your energy, confidence, and overall wellbeing. They’re there to celebrate your successes, keep you on track, and gently steer you back when you need it, so you can truly live your healthiest life.”
The UK’s Health Coaching Journey
Health coaching may seem like a relatively new concept in the UK, but it actually has deep roots that stretch back decades. The origins of health coaching can be traced to the USA in the 1950s, where ideas around promoting health through lifestyle changes first began to emerge. By the 1970s and early 1980s, the discipline of coaching started gaining traction, particularly in the form of ‘performance’ coaching. During the 1980s, large American corporations began establishing wellness programs that addressed issues like stopping smoking, managing stress, improving nutrition, and weight control, all supported by health coaches.
Fast forward to 2010, and the USA saw the creation of the National Consortium for Credentialing Health & Wellness Coaches, marking a significant step towards the professionalisation of health coaching with national standards and certifications. In the UK, health coaching started gaining momentum in the early 2000s, drawing influence from these international developments. However, it wasn’t until the establishment of the UK & International Health Coaching Association (UKIHCA) in 2018 that the profession really began to take off. The UKIHCA has played a crucial role in setting professional standards and promoting the benefits of health coaching across the country.
One of the pioneering figures in this field in the UK is Dr. David Unwin, a GP from Southport. He has demonstrated the powerful impact of health coaching, particularly in managing and even reversing conditions like type 2 diabetes. By focusing on lifestyle changes rather than relying solely on medication, Dr. Unwin has helped his patients achieve remarkable results—results that have also saved the NHS thousands of pounds in prescription costs.
Why Health Coaching Matters
So why should you care about health coaching? Well, if you’ve ever struggled to make changes to your health – whether it’s losing weight, managing stress, or just feeling better day-to-day – a health coach could be the key to success. They offer accountability, motivation, and a level of personalised support that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Plus, health coaching isn’t just for those with health issues. It’s for anyone who wants to improve their quality of life. Whether you’re looking to boost your energy, sleep better, or simply feel happier and more balanced, a health coach can help you get there.
The Future of Health Coaching in the UK
Looking ahead, the role of health coaching in the UK is only going to grow. With the NHS recognising the importance of personalised care, health coaches are starting to work alongside GPs and other healthcare professionals to provide a more holistic approach to health. As with all our specialists, this is how it works within the Dr Indra Practice. Our Health Coaches work collaboratively with our whole team, requesting support and advice from our GPs, Nutritionist, Pharmacist & Psychotherapist if needed.
So, whether you’re curious about making a big lifestyle change or just want to fine-tune your current habits, consider giving health coaching a go. It could be the best decision you make for your health and happiness.
If you’d like to find out more about the health coaching we offer at the Dr Indra Practice, book a free Discovery Call with our Patient Care Team, call us on 07496692137 or email [email protected] for more info.
