Many health professionals and coaches struggle with how to integrate body image work into their coaching practice.
I hear it all the time from coaches and professionals: “I know body image is a key issue for my clients, but I don’t know how to talk about it.” This uncertainty often leads coaches to avoid the topic altogether. But here’s the truth: body image plays a critical role in our clients’ eating behaviors, emotional well-being, and overall health. If we don’t address it, we’re missing a major piece of the puzzle.
In this episode, I’ll walk you through practical steps to seamlessly integrate body image coaching into your current practice—without overhauling your entire approach. We’re keeping it simple, strategic, and effective. Let’s get started!
How to Integrate Body Image Work in Your Coaching: Body Image Coaching Matters
1. The Missing Piece in Health Coaching
Most health professionals were never trained in body image work. Certifications, degrees, and training programs often ignore the science of behavioral change and the psychology of body image. Instead, many coaching frameworks are built on diet culture and weight loss models.
But research shows a direct link between body dissatisfaction and restrictive eating behaviors. People who are unhappy with their bodies are more likely to engage in dieting, which only fuels more dissatisfaction. It’s a cycle that keeps clients stuck.
2. Your Clients Need More Than Food and Fitness Plans
Many coaches assume that nutrition plans and exercise routines are enough to help clients achieve their health goals. But if a client is struggling with body dissatisfaction, no amount of meal planning will resolve the deeper issue. We must address body image to support sustainable behavior change.
How to Integrate Body Image Work in Your Coaching
Step 1: Start With a Screening Process
Before diving into body image coaching, you need to assess where your clients stand. The best way to do this is through a structured screening tool.
I offer a free Non-Diet Coaching Assessment Tool that evaluates eating behaviors, body image, and mindset. Grab it here.
By integrating this tool into your onboarding process, you’ll gain insight into your clients’ struggles and set the foundation for deeper conversations.
Step 2: Shift the Language in Your Coaching
The words we use matter. Many terms that seem neutral—like “healthy weight” or “natural weight”—can reinforce weight stigma.
Instead, adopt a weight-neutral approach by focusing on behaviors rather than body size. Avoid using terms like obesity or categorizing body sizes in a way that reinforces shame.
Step 3: Educate Clients in a Gentle Way
Clients don’t always realize how body image impacts their behaviors. Start small:
- During health history intake, ask: “How do you feel about your body?”
- When discussing eating behaviors, explore: “Where did you learn that weight is a sign of health?”
This non-threatening approach helps clients make connections without feeling pressured to “fix” their body image overnight.
Step 4: Encourage Body Trust and Self-Compassion
Instead of focusing on compliance and accountability, shift your coaching to body trust and self-compassion. When a client struggles with a goal, ask:
- “What did you feel in that moment?”
- “What do you think you needed?”
These questions help clients connect with their bodies rather than forcing behavior change through willpower.
Step 5: Make Body Image Part of Every Session
You don’t need to overhaul your coaching model—simply weave body image into your existing work. Whether you’re talking about food, movement, or health goals, consider:
- How does body image influence this client’s behavior?
- Are they making choices based on fear, shame, or external pressure?
- How can I reframe the conversation to support self-acceptance rather than body control?
When you integrate body image work gradually, it becomes a natural part of your coaching rather than a separate topic.
How to Integrate Body Image Work in Your Coaching: the Next Step
If you’re new to body image coaching, start with these simple steps:
✅ Download the free screening tool and use it with your clients. (Get it here)
✅ Continue your own education—check out my Body Image Workshop for in-depth training.
✅ Normalize discomfort—for yourself and your clients. It’s okay if these conversations feel new!
✅ Encourage curiosity—recommend books, podcasts, and resources for clients who are ready to explore more.
Remember, body image work doesn’t have to be complicated. By making small, intentional shifts, you can create a coaching practice that truly supports your clients—beyond food and exercise.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode on How to Integrate Body Image Work in Your Coaching:
- Why body image work is the missing link in health coaching
- How to gently introduce body image discussions with clients
- The best way to screen for body dissatisfaction
- Practical steps to integrate body image coaching without overhauling your practice
Mentioned in the show:
Studies on Body Dissatisfaction
