The Key to Sustainable Weight Management: Insights from a Health and Wellbeing Coach

Many of us know the cycle: trying the latest diet, seeing some progress, then slipping back into old patterns. True, long-term weight management isn’t about cutting corners,  following restrictive regimes or using weight loss injections, it’s about building habits that work with your life, not against it. 

This is where working with a Health and Wellbeing Coach, particularly one who specialises in weight management can be an invaluable support. Health Coaches offer structured, personalised guidance that considers not just nutrition, but also the emotional, behavioural, and lifestyle factors that impact our health.

In this article, we explore how the right support and practical strategies can help individuals move toward sustainable weight management and a healthier relationship with food and wellbeing.

Why Work With a Health and Wellbeing Coach?

A Health and Wellbeing Coach supports clients in making realistic, meaningful changes that can be sustained over time. Rather than offering generic advice, coaches take a personalised approach - tailoring strategies to each person’s lifestyle, goals, challenges, and habits.

This kind of guidance is especially important because quick-fix solutions, while tempting, rarely lead to lasting results. A 2018 meta-analysis of 29 long-term weight loss studies found that more than half of the weight lost was regained within two years and by five years, over 80% had returned. And similar results have been seen in recent studies for weight loss injections (include link to the weight loss drug blog) , without coaching or nutritional support participants regained on average 75% of the weight lost.

That’s why the focus of health coaching isn’t simply on weight loss. It’s about helping people feel better day to day - more energy, fewer cravings, better mood, and a greater sense of control over their health and choices. Many of our graduates have experienced these benefits firsthand, including HCA Graduate Health Coach, Natasha, who went from being diagnosed in the pre-diabetic range to losing over 25kg using the behaviour change skills and nutrition knowledge that she developed through her Health Coach training.

"Since starting the course, I've lost 8kg, and my Rheumatologist is blown away by how my inflammation levels have dropped. I feel more energetic, positive and have a whole new lease on life.”  – HCA Health Coach Graduate, Sharon

Understanding The Bigger Picture

Weight management is often oversimplified into “eat less, move more.” In reality, it’s shaped by a range of influences - genetics, hormones, stress levels, sleep, and even emotional wellbeing.

A Health and Wellbeing Coach understands these layers. For example, chronic stress can increase cortisol levels, which may drive emotional eating and fat storage. Similarly, poor sleep affects appetite-regulating hormones, making cravings harder to manage.

Rather than simply offering dietary advice, Health Coaches work with clients to identify and address the underlying causes of imbalance so that progress is steady and realistic.

"My battle with food and yoyo dieting has finally ended and it feels so empowering. I am finally nurturing my body rather than battering it with starvation, crazy diets and over exercise. My weight is stable, I sleep better, I have more energy and I have reduced my HRT medication. I wish I had done this course years ago.” - HCA Health Coach Graduate, Joanne

Why Behaviour Change Is The Real Driver

What and how we eat is often shaped by habit, emotion, and environment. These ingrained patterns can be difficult to change alone.

Health and Wellbeing Coaches are trained in evidence-based behaviour change methods, helping clients understand their habits, identify triggers, and gradually build new routines. Tools like mindful eating and emotional awareness can make a real difference, especially when clients feel stuck or overwhelmed.

Coaching offers the space, structure, and accountability to help people make changes they can maintain. This is often what sets long-term success apart from short-term efforts.

"I have been making changes based on the knowledge I’ve learned, and I have lost 2 stone (12kg) since the start of the course." - HCA Graduate Health Coach, Sonia

The Power of Consistent Support and Accountability

Two of the most overlooked yet vital elements of sustainable weight management are support and accountability. Having someone to check in with, celebrate wins, and help navigate challenges can significantly increase your chances of success.

A Health and Wellbeing Coach provides consistent encouragement, motivation, and practical advice. This relationship builds trust and helps clients stay engaged - especially when life throws curveballs or progress feels slow.

"I have lost over 1.5 stone in weight, I have bags of energy and as a woman in my sixties I am leading the way to prove it's never too late to learn, make changes and lead a healthier, happier life."  – HCA Health Coach Graduate, Carole

Moving Your Body, Your Way

Physical activity plays a supporting role in weight management by preserving muscle mass, improving mood, and supporting metabolic function. But it doesn’t have to be intense or exhausting to be effective.

Health and Wellbeing Coaches help clients explore movement that fits naturally into their lives, whether that’s structured exercise, walking more, cycling, or simply staying active throughout the day. The focus is on building a routine that feels realistic, enjoyable, and sustainable.

Navigating Setbacks and Plateaus

Weight loss is rarely linear. Plateaus are normal and can be discouraging without the right perspective. As the body adapts to change, metabolism may slow, and progress may pause temporarily.

A certified Health Coach knows how to support clients during these moments - whether through adjusting nutrition, shifting focus, or helping manage expectations. The key is not to give up, but to stay consistent with the bigger picture in mind.

Start Your Weight Loss Journey With The Right Support

Sustainable weight management takes time, self-awareness, and consistent support. It’s about working with your body, not against it, and building habits that support your health and wellbeing in the long term.

If you’re considering a new direction, whether to improve your own health or to support others, training as a Health and Wellbeing Coach could be the next step.

Join a free introductory webinar with the senior team at Health Coaches Academy to discover how our Level 5 Diploma in Health & Wellness Coaching can support your personal or professional goals. You’ll learn how to develop the skills and knowledge needed to create meaningful lifestyle change for yourself and for others.