When you’re ready to lose weight, you want to make it as easy as possible. Due to rapid advances in technology, there are more options than ever to help you on your journey.

Thanks to a global pandemic, the virtual world has changed a lot in the last few years, and more and more people use the internet as their primary means of connection. While this has its drawbacks, there are benefits too. The ability to access online weight loss tools—like a virtual coach—is one of them.

Thanks to changing needs, virtual weight loss coaching has emerged as an effective method to boost your weight loss efforts. Let’s take a closer look at what it is like to work with a virtual coach and how it may just be the missing key to your success.

Why A Virtual Coach Is So Effective

The reality of modern life is that people are busier than ever. Having unlimited information available at your fingertips means you are always connected and it’s rare to see anyone without a phone at the ready.

While this new reality certainly has its drawbacks; it also brings many benefits. For anyone looking to lose weight, the ability to work with a virtual coach is definitely one of them.

A recent study examined the effects of a weight loss program that utilized virtual coaching. The results showed participants who worked with the virtual coach lost significantly more weight than those who did not. In fact, 70% of the people who received virtual coaching lost 5% or more of their body weight during the study period. Only 8% of the control group lost anywhere close to that.

In addition, researchers conducted a large review that pulled together data from over 80 studies examining virtual weight loss programs. They concluded that virtual programs provide better weight loss results compared to trying to lose weight alone. Even more encouraging, those results applied to virtual coaching focused on weight maintenance after reaching a healthy weight.

Here’s what the research tells us about why working with a virtual coach is so effective.

Fewer Barriers To Get Started

As the old proverb goes, “the first step is always the hardest.” Taking the first step to lose weight is no exception.

Common barriers to getting started often include:

• Lack of time
• Not having a program nearby
• Classes being full
• Cost
• Lack of support

Working with a virtual coach removes those barriers and makes getting started easy. There are no wait-lists or traffic jams. You don’t even have to leave your house.

Plus, a virtual coach is often less expensive, removing cost as a barrier. And because your coach is virtual, they are usually more accessible to you and can be as flexible as your schedule requires.

Individualized Feedback

The best weight loss program is the one tailored to your needs. When you work with a coach, they continually evaluate how you’re doing and make adjustments so the program works for you.

Individualized feedback is key to keeping you on track. A virtual coach is there to check in on your progress. They can also help brainstorm ideas to address problems that will inevitably arise before they derail your progress. There is no substitute for an expert eye on your weight loss journey.

Help When You Need It

Few people go anywhere without their phones. When you work with a virtual coach, this means your coach is there for you whenever you need them. The option to reach out for help or feedback is always just an email away.

Studies show frequent contact with a coach is one of the reasons virtual weight loss programs are so successful. When support is right at your fingertips, you never have to struggle through a tough day alone. Your virtual coach can talk you down, back you up, and cheer you on.

Assistance With Goal-Setting And Monitoring

For decades, research has told us that two critical tools for weight loss success are having clear goals for what you want to achieve and regular monitoring of your progress. While that may sound simple, it can be tough to maintain long-term.

A virtual coach has the knowledge and skills to help you set clear, achievable goals to guide your efforts. They know it’s essential to weight loss, and they’ve invested the time to learn how to do it right. In addition, they have systems to monitor your progress, so you will know if what you are doing is working.

On-Going Support Once You’ve Achieved Your Goal

Working with a virtual coach increases your chance of reaching your weight loss goal. But, once you get there, the journey isn’t over. Your coach is still a critical piece of the puzzle to help you keep the weight off for life.

It’s normal for there to be challenges when you’re trying to maintain your hard-earned new weight. That’s why continuing to work with a coach is so effective. Research shows ongoing support from a coach can prevent regaining the weight while helping you stick with healthy habits.

Don’t Go It Alone

Too many people try to lose weight on their own, and the statistics show very few succeed. In contrast, a wealth of information supports a coach’s role in weight loss success. If you’re serious about losing weight, why not use one of the most effective tools out there: an expert!

In today’s world, technology makes it simple to connect with a virtual coach and get started right away. Don’t let your schedule, health, finances, or anything else hold you back.

If you want to lose weight, keep it off, and improve your health long-term, there’s no better bet than enlisting the help of a virtual coach.