In the world of health and wellness, a health coach is an emerging new role.

Health coaching is becoming recognized as a new way to help individuals "manage" their illnesses and conditions. In both sports and health, a "coach" is a person who observes, gives objective feedback, teaches, helps to develop a plan of action and holds another responsible for their actions and commitments. The coach will use special techniques, personal experience, expertise and encouragement to assist the coachee in bringing his/her behavioral changes about.

Health coaching is a method of guiding another to "discover" and address their own ambivalence to health behavior change. Health coaching can assist someone to identify issues, beliefs, and concerns that may hinder or support their lifestyle change or responsibility for health that lies ahead for them. Like traditional coaching, health coaches utilize goal setting, identification of obstacles, and use of personal support systems. The relationship between the coach and coachee is an accountability partnership focused on the overall health outcome goals as defined by their healthcare practitioners and the coachee themselves.