A recent study has discovered that coaching sessions performed over the phone proved to be an effective form of intervention. The research was carried out by the University of Sydney and evaluated the effect of phone sessions on a range of patients seeking weight loss advice. The ‘Get Healthy Service’ promotes the reduction of chronic diseases within the community, being used by those suffering with health problems.
Over half of the participants in the study lost between two and a half and ten percent of their original body weight, which can make a massive impact on the health of the individual. The programme was carried out for six months and those involved lost an average of four kilograms in weight and five centimetres from their waist measurements – the participants were monitored for six months after the programme ended and maintained these results.
Researchers noted that there was a higher involvement of people from disadvantaged backgrounds and from regional locations based on population numbers, which was higher than expected. It is thought that this is due to a lack of access to health care services, and as such a higher chance of contracting various chronic diseases because of a lifestyle which causes risk factors.
The Get Healthy coaching service was started in 2009 and helps adults to make more informed choices, as well as providing advice on various topics including how to increase physical activity and maintaining or reaching a healthy weight. Likewise, callers are advised to decrease the number of sugary drinks and snacks they consume, to increase their exercise and to walk more in order to improve fitness and burn more calories. So far in its history, the programme has seen 20,000 people get involved – an astonishing number of people who have benefited from the programmes unique services.
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