An Examination of Health Coaching as a Developing Profession.

Abstract

Background: Health coaching is a field that is growing in popularity. Health coaching is not regulated and there is no standard for background, education, or training for those acting as health coaches. The purpose of this study was to investigate the burgeoning field of health coaching: who is performing it and common practices.

Methods: A total of 560 health coaching websites were reviewed to record educational backgrounds, recommendations for supplements, and the sale of supplements and/or other wellness products. Multivariable logistic regression was used to test associations between characteristics of health coaches and whether they recommend supplements, sell supplements, or sell other wellness products.

Results: The sample was mostly female without an applicable associate or bachelor's degree listed practicing without national board certification. Twenty-nine percent recommended supplements, approximately 17% sold supplements, and 17% sold other wellness products. Of those without national board certification, nearly a quarter sold supplements. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify associations between characteristics and supplement recommendations or selling supplements or other wellness products.

Conclusion: As health coaching develops, it is important to understand who is practicing as a health coach and common health coaching practices in the field.