Hopefully you now have a better understanding of GLP-1 therapy after reading my last blog that posted in March 2026. If you have not had a chance to read it, please check it out! In this blog, we will focus on why having a health coach is crucial when considering GLP-1 therapy.
What is Health Coaching
Health Coaching is a collaborative relationship between a health coach and a client that is built on trust, openness, listening and self-awareness.
A Health coach is:
- Curious and focused on the whole life of a client, not just a disease state.
- Knows that clients ultimately want the best for themselves and can make changes
- with a combination of encouragement, accountability and empowerment.
- Helps clients understand factors and feelings that contribute to behaviors.
- Assists in developing strategies for dealing with overwhelming aspects of life
- Builds self-esteem and confidence in the client
- Helps the client prioritize themselves
- Provides positivity and gratitude with small steps.
In our healthcare system now, it is hard for practitioners to provide the education and time needed in nutrition, movement and stress management. Because of this, a health coach has become more in demand and an important member of a person’s healthcare team. A coach is able to spend one-on-one time with clients and assist them as they make lifestyle changes. Making sustainable lifestyle changes takes time, and a coach is able to walk alongside clients on their health journey and provide accountability, encouragement and education.
The Role of a Health Coach with GLP-1 Therapy
While GLP-1 therapy is an amazing tool in the management of obesity and diabetes, it is not a magic fix. The main action of GLP-1 drugs is to enhance the effects of the GLP 1 hormone, which tells the body when it is full, with weight loss being the main result. Reduced hunger and needing smaller portion sizes is typical. Rapid weight loss can include not only fat, but muscle mass too. Without proper support, it’s easy to eat too little or the wrong things, lose muscle mass and develop inconsistent habits that ultimately limit long term success. A health coach acts as a partner, holding a person accountable providing education and guidance throughout their health journey. GLP-1 therapy is great, but it is important to know how to build lasting habits that will sustain beyond treatment.
As Dr. Darian Mozaffarian, cardiologist, researcher and professor at Tufts University stated, “GLP-1’s have captured national attention for their ability to help people achieve significant weight reduction, but successful weight loss requires more than a prescription. GLP-1’s are FDA-approved as an adjunct to nutrition and lifestyle therapy. In practice, all too often nutrition and lifestyle are an afterthought-or even ignored.” Medications may help initiate weight loss, but healthy habits sustain it.
Final Thoughts
Taking GLP-1 medications can be a powerful step toward a healthier version of yourself-but pairing it with a health coach maximizes your results. With the right guidance, you can avoid some of the more common pitfalls such as loss of muscle mass and eating too little, and build a sustainable lifestyle that lasts far beyond the prescription.
In my next blog, we will hear from Andrew Kohr of Dreaming Tree Initiative. He will share his journey on GLP-1 therapy. Stay tuned!
