How to Find a Health Coach – What to Look For
If you’re looking to make long-term changes to your health, fitness or wellbeing, working with a health coach could be a valuable step. Whether your goal is to improve your diet, reduce stress, manage a chronic condition or simply feel more in control of your lifestyle, a qualified coach can help you stay on track and make sustainable changes.
But with so many professionals offering coaching services – both in person and online – it can be hard to know where to start.
In this guide, we explain what a health coach does, what qualifications and experience to look for and how to choose someone who aligns with your goals and values.
What is a health coach?
A health coach is a trained professional who supports you in achieving your personal health and wellness goals. Unlike a doctor or a dietitian who might focus on diagnosing and treating specific conditions, a health coach helps you identify areas of your life you’d like to improve - such as nutrition, exercise, stress, sleep or lifestyle habits - and works with you to build a plan that fits your needs.
Health coaches use techniques such as goal setting, behaviour change and motivational interviewing to guide you through small, sustainable changes. Some may specialise in areas like weight management, hormonal balance or chronic disease prevention, while others take a more general approach.
Working with a health coach can help you:
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Stay accountable to your goals
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Overcome obstacles to healthy living
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Understand how to make practical changes that suit your lifestyle
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Build long-term habits for better physical and mental wellbeing
Some health coaches work independently, while others may be linked to health screening services, fitness centres or wellness clinics. They can offer one-to-one sessions in person or online, making it easier to access support in a way that suits you.
What can a health coach help with?
Health coaches can support a wide range of wellness goals, from improving energy levels to managing stress or making long-term lifestyle changes. Their role is to empower you with the tools, strategies and encouragement needed to take control of your health in a way that works for you.
Some common areas a health coach can help with include:
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Building healthier eating habits – whether you want to eat more mindfully, reduce sugar intake or better understand what fuels your body
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Managing weight sustainably – focusing on long-term behaviour change, not quick fixes
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Creating a realistic exercise routine – that fits your schedule, interests and fitness level
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Improving sleep and energy levels – by identifying patterns and lifestyle factors that may be affecting your rest
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Reducing stress and burnout – with practical tools for relaxation, mindset shifts and boundary-setting
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Navigating menopause or hormonal changes – offering lifestyle support alongside clinical insights from tools like blood tests and the advanced menopause profile.
Some health coaches also specialise in supporting people with specific health concerns such as diabetes, heart health or digestive issues - helping to bridge the gap between clinical care and day-to-day wellness.
What qualifications should a health coach have?
Health coaching isn’t currently a regulated profession in the UK, which means qualifications can vary. However, reputable health coaches will usually have completed accredited training and hold certifications that demonstrate a solid understanding of health, behaviour change and coaching techniques.
Look for health coaches who have:
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Completed a recognised health coach training program – such as those accredited by the UK Health Coaches Association (UKHCA), National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC), or similar
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Knowledge of nutrition, fitness and lifestyle medicine – often gained through additional qualifications or relevant professional experience
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Training in coaching methodologies – including motivational interviewing, goal setting and habit change
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Ongoing professional development – showing a commitment to keeping their knowledge up to date
Many health coaches come from backgrounds in healthcare, fitness, psychology, or nutrition. While they don’t replace medical professionals, a qualified health coach will know when to refer you to a doctor or specialist if needed.
What to expect from working with a health coach
Working with a health coach is a collaborative, personalised experience focused on helping you reach your health and wellbeing goals. Rather than prescribing a strict plan, a health coach will work with you to explore what’s important to you and what’s realistically achievable in your lifestyle.
Here’s what you can typically expect:
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An initial consultation to discuss your current habits, challenges and goals
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A tailored plan based on your priorities – whether that’s improving sleep, managing stress, building better eating habits or boosting energy
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Regular sessions (usually weekly or bi-weekly) to check in, troubleshoot obstacles and celebrate wins
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Ongoing motivation and accountability to help you stay on track and build confidence
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Support between sessions, often via email or messaging, depending on your coach’s approach
The relationship is supportive and non-judgmental, aiming to empower you to make changes that feel sustainable – not overwhelming.
How to know if a health coach is right for you
A health coach could be a good fit if you’re ready to make changes to your wellbeing but feel unsure where to start, or struggle to stick with healthy habits on your own. You don’t need to have a medical condition to benefit - many people work with health coaches simply to feel better day-to-day.
Consider a health coach if you:
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Want support with building healthier habits that last
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Feel overwhelmed by conflicting health advice
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Struggle with motivation or consistency
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Prefer a personalised, one-to-one approach
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Value accountability and encouragement along the way
If you’re looking for medical treatment or diagnosis, a health coach isn’t a replacement for a doctor or specialist. But if what you need is support, structure and someone to help you move forward, a health coach could be a valuable addition to your routine.
Where to find a trusted health coach
Finding the right health coach starts with looking in the right places. Many coaches work independently, while others are part of wellness clinics, gyms or corporate health programs. To find someone reputable:
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Search professional directories – Look for coaches registered with trusted bodies like the UK Health Coaches Association (UKHCA) or the Health Coach Alliance.
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Ask for referrals – Friends, colleagues or healthcare providers may recommend someone they’ve had a good experience with.
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Check credentials and experience – A credible health coach should be transparent about their qualifications, training and areas of focus.
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Book an introductory call – Most coaches offer a free initial consultation so you can ask questions and see if it’s a good fit.
It’s important to find someone you feel comfortable with - coaching is a partnership, and trust is key to getting the most out of it.
Keep track of your progress with regular health assessments
Working with a health coach often includes setting goals - but how do you know if you’re on track? Regular health assessments can help measure progress and keep motivation high. These assessments might involve tracking:
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Key health metrics like blood pressure, cholesterol or hormone levels
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Changes in energy, sleep or stress levels
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Fitness improvements or weight management
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Lifestyle habits, including diet and activity levels
Bluecrest Wellness offers full-body health checks that complement the work you do with a coach. By combining expert guidance with data-driven insights, you can make informed decisions and stay focused on your long-term wellbeing.
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