Why Health Coaching is Key to Supporting Women Taking GLP-1 Medication

Health coaching can support many goals, from stress management to dietary changes, and working with a health coach can be especially beneficial for women taking GLP-1 medications like Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound. All HLTHYher members are paired with a personal National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC); members can work with their coach 1:1 via text message, phone or video call, or in group settings like a group coaching call or community chat. Our coaches support members throughout their journey as they build lasting habits to support a healthy life.

What is health coaching?

So, what does a health coach do? Put simply, health coaches are behavior change specialists. The National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) states that coaches “partner with [members] looking to enhance their wellbeing through self-directed lasting changes, aligned with their values.” There are a few key takeaways from this short definition. Coaching is always a partnership; the coach isn’t in charge. Instead, the coach and member work together collaboratively. The coach won’t tell the member what to do because we know each individual is the expert in their own life. The member chooses their own path, and the coach supports the member. In partnership, the coach and member work together to pursue goals set by the member. This leads to more successful long-term changes; when members set their own goals, as opposed to following someone else’s prescribed path, they feel more ownership, higher motivation, and a closer connection to their values.

Coaches use a technique called motivational interviewing when working with members. This approach uses open-ended questions, positive affirmations, and reflection statements to help the member identify their goals and values, spot and navigate challenges, and create new habits and behaviors. 

Why is health coaching important?

Working with a health coach for the first time is a major “aha” moment for many members. The lightbulb clicks on and illuminates what’s been there all along. Sometimes members just need that external nudge in the right direction, and a coach can provide exactly that. 

Research shows that health coaching can improve health numbers; specifically, it’s been shown to lead to improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, body weight, and overall aerobic fitness. 

Beyond these measurable numbers, health coaching can also help build self-confidence, improve problem-solving skills, increase intrinsic motivation, deepen self-awareness, and more! At its core, coaching involves an exploration of and connection to one’s values and purpose; through this process, members learn self-coaching skills that they can then apply to any new situation. The coach’s goal is to help the member learn how to become their own best coach so they can navigate whatever life throws their way. 

How do HLTHYher members benefit?

As women taking GLP-1 medication, HLTHYher members benefit from working with a personal health coach for several reasons. GLP-1 medication is just one part of the equation when creating a healthy life; HLTHYher coaches help members build better habits to support their growth in all three dimensions of health - physical, social, and mental. 

For so many women taking GLP-1 medication, there are challenges to navigate: medication side effects, stigma and judgment, self-doubt and fear. A HLTHYher coach is a trusted partner for our members; we provide evidence-based resources and guidance for navigating the toughest side effects, we hold a judgment-free space of curiosity for our members to explore, and we affirm our members’ abilities. We know they can meet their goals and sustain success, and we cheer them on along the way! 

HLTHYher is a program made for women by a team of women. Studies have shown that gender bias exists in medicine, and we know firsthand what it’s like to have our pain and concerns ignored or dismissed. That’s why all HLTHYher coaches must be expert listeners; being heard goes a long way. Our coaches validate the experience of our members, and when necessary, HLTHYher coaches are trained to make referrals back to mental health professionals or medical providers. 

Learn More!

To learn more about our HLTHYher program and how members can benefit from working with a coach, fill out our interest form at hlthyher.com/learnmore or email kristen@triadhlth.com.