Have you ever found yourself frustrated with dieting, only to gain the weight back again? If so, you’re not alone. Many of my clients, women over 40 who’ve struggled with weight for years, often joke that I’m more like a “life coach for weight loss” than just a nutrition coach. And honestly? They’re not wrong.
When it comes to weight loss, the food you eat is just one piece of a much bigger puzzle. In my experience, being overweight is often a symptom of a deeper issue—unhappiness. Whether it’s stress, emotional eating, lack of self-confidence, or poor lifestyle habits, the root causes run far deeper than calories in versus calories out. This is why many traditional diets fail: they treat the symptom, not the cause.
The Truth: Weight Gain is Often a Symptom of a Bigger Problem
When we talk about weight gain, we’re often talking about behaviours driven by our emotions and environment. Let’s face it: nobody gains weight overnight. It’s the result of repeated behaviours—comfort eating, skipping meals, late-night snacking, or even neglecting our own self-care because we’re too busy taking care of everyone else.
Think about it. How many times have you eaten to soothe stress, to fill a void, or simply because you felt too tired to care? It’s not just about the food. It’s about what the food represents—comfort, reward, or even punishment. And so, the cycle continues.
But what if the weight isn’t the problem? What if it’s just a visible symptom of something else? For many, being overweight is a sign of stress, lack of fulfillment, or unresolved emotions. It’s a coping mechanism that’s become a habit. And like any habit, it can be changed.
Why Traditional Weight Loss Methods Don’t Work
Most traditional weight loss methods focus solely on the surface: eat less, move more, count calories, cut carbs. But this approach ignores the underlying issues that drive us to eat in the first place. It’s like putting a band-aid on a wound without cleaning it first. The result? Short-term success followed by long-term frustration.
The truth is, if you’re eating to comfort yourself, no diet plan will solve that. If you’re too stressed to sleep or too busy to exercise, calorie counting won’t make a difference. The real change comes when we start to address the root causes—our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.
What Life Coaching for Weight Loss Really Means
As someone who specialises in holistic, one-to-one coaching, I often describe my approach as “deep health coaching.” It’s about looking at the whole person—not just their food choices but also their mindset, habits, environment, and overall well-being.
Here’s how I approach weight loss through the lens of life coaching:
- Address the Emotional Triggers
We look at the emotional connections to food. Why do you eat when you’re not hungry? What’s driving your cravings? We dive into these questions to understand the patterns that keep you stuck. - Change the Narrative
Many of my clients have a narrative that they’ve carried for years: “I’ve always been the big one” or “I just don’t have the willpower.” We work to rewrite these stories, shifting from self-criticism to self-compassion. - Build Healthy Habits that Stick
Small, manageable changes lead to big results. We focus on building habits one at a time—whether it’s improving sleep, increasing movement, or adding more whole foods into your diet. - Holistic Well-being
Weight loss isn’t just about food; it’s about creating a life that supports your health goals. We look at everything: stress management, sleep quality, movement, and even how you talk to yourself. - Personalised Support and Accountability
Unlike a generic diet plan, my approach is entirely personalised. We work together to create strategies that fit your lifestyle, preferences, and needs. And I’m with you every step of the way, providing the support and accountability you need to succeed.
Why Deep Health Matters: A Case for Holistic Weight Loss
Let’s take a moment to look at the real-life stories of women who have walked this path.
Mary’s Journey to Self-Compassion
Mary, 52, had tried every diet under the sun. She lost weight, but it always crept back. Our coaching sessions revealed that Mary’s stress and self-doubt were driving her eating habits. She felt guilty every time she ate something “bad,” which led to emotional eating. By shifting her focus to deep health, Mary learned to manage her stress, find healthier outlets for her emotions, and treat herself with kindness. The weight came off—slowly but steadily—and this time, it stayed off.
Linda’s Transformation: From Self-Neglect to Self-Care
Linda, 47, was a busy professional who put everyone else first. She often skipped meals and ended up bingeing late at night. She felt stuck in a cycle of guilt and shame. Through coaching, Linda learned to prioritise her own well-being, set boundaries, and establish a healthier relationship with food. She didn’t just lose weight; she gained energy, confidence, and a renewed sense of self-worth.
The Deep Health Solution: It’s Not Just About Weight Loss, It’s About Life Transformation
What I offer isn’t just a diet or a quick fix; it’s a journey of transformation. It’s about reclaiming your health, your happiness, and your life. When you address the deeper issues, the weight loss becomes a natural side effect of a healthier, more balanced you.
Ready to Reclaim Your Life? Let’s Get Started
If you’ve tried diets and found that they just don’t stick, it’s time to take a different approach. Imagine working with someone who sees the whole picture, who understands that your weight isn’t the problem—it’s a symptom. Imagine having a coach who supports you through every step of your journey, helping you to build sustainable habits that last a lifetime.
Take the first step towards true transformation. Learn more about my holistic, one-to-one weight loss coaching at One Habit Coaching and discover a better way to lose weight that fits your life and your values.
References
- Harvard Health Publishing. (2023). “Emotional Eating: Understanding and Managing Triggers.” Available at: https://www.health.harvard.edu/
- Mayo Clinic. (2023). “The Role of Stress in Weight Gain and Weight Management.” Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/
- National Institute on Aging. (2023). “How Lifestyle Changes Can Help Manage Weight and Improve Well-being.” Available at: https://www.nia.nih.gov/
- Intuitive Eating. (2023). “Breaking Free from Diet Culture: The Benefits of Intuitive Eating.” Available at: https://www.intuitiveeating.org
- NHS UK. (2023). “Why Holistic Health Matters in Weight Management.” Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well