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An important part of any wellness program is the health coach. Often, the health coach has the most personal connection — if not impact — with members of a wellness program.

But what is a health coach?

A new post from Sarah Haskins in U.S. News & World Report addresses the question: “We help you implement small changes, little by little, at a pace that’s comfortable for you so you can meet all your health goals. We work with you to help you discover your bio-individuality. There is something that will work for you – the trick is finding it.”

The piece continues: “We help you implement small changes, little by little, at a pace that’s comfortable for you so you can meet all your health goals. We work with you to help you discover your bio-individuality. There is something that will work for you – the trick is finding it.”

Indeed, the American Council on Exercise runs a piece titled “Study Shows Health Coaches Effective in Helping People Lose Weight, Live Healthier Lives.” The post states: “The study, which was funded by the National Institutes of Health and published in the July 26, 2012, online edition of the journal Obesity, demonstrates the important role health coaches can play in helping people lose weight.”

And what does a health coach absolutely understand? According to the U.S. News piece: “Everyone is unique and different.”

And with that understanding, a health coach can go a long way to helping people make smart and strategic choices around diet, exercise, and more.