Melissa van Zandvoort (University of Western Ontario) Jennifer D. Irwin (University of Western Ontario) Don Morrow (University of Western Ontario)
The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the impact of Co-active life coaching on obese female university students. Five obese (BMI ≥ 30kg/m2 ), female university students received an average of nine weekly, 35-minute, one-on-one sessions with a certified coach. Semistructured, in-depth interviews before and after participating in the coaching intervention were conducted, and inductive content analysis was utilized. Strategies to enhance data trustworthiness were incorporated throughout. Participants initially reported: struggling with barriers and experiencing pressure from family to lose weight; negative relationships with themselves; feeling self-conscious and remorse for their size and lifestyle choices. At the conclusion of the study period, participants attributed enhanced self-acceptance; living healthier lifestyles; and making themselves a priority to their coaching experience. They appreciated being treated as the expert in their lives. Life coaching has potential as a method for supporting obese individuals in improving their relationships with themselves, and may serve as a catalyst in facilitating weight-loss.
obesity, life coaching, psycho-social support, self-acceptance
Published online: February 2009
© the Author(s) Published by Oxford Brookes University