National Coaches Day — The Science of Coaching

Healthy habits don’t change in isolation — they change through connection. That’s why on October 6, National Coaches Day, we honor the human side of science: coaching.

At OPTAVIA, coaches don’t just guide you through a plan — they walk alongside you, providing support, accountability and belief when you need it most.

What's National Coaches Day?

Coaching isn’t just about giving directions — it’s about unlocking potential through support, accountability and connection. That’s the essence of National Coaches Day, celebrated every October 6^th.  

Coaching was deemed worth honoring at a national level because coaches shape discipline, resilience and confidence in ways that ripple far beyond the field, court or classroom. It’s a reminder that behind every achievement, there’s often a coach who believed, guided and pushed someone to grow. 

The Science of Coaching at OPTAVIA

Coaching is where science meets support. Habits don’t change in isolation — they change when you have someone walking alongside you. That’s the science of OPTAVIA coaching: clients who work with a coach lose up to 10x more weight and 17x more fat* than those who go it alone.  

Why? Because support fuels accountability, encouragement and real strategies that make healthy habits stick — not just for a season, but for the long run. 

Why Coaches Matter More Than Ever

When it comes to health, information alone isn’t enough — people need connection. That’s where OPTAVIA coaches come in. They’re the human side of science, turning knowledge into action through accountability, encouragement and real-life strategies. 

In a world where AI, apps and bots can serve endless health tips but can’t truly understand your struggles, OPTAVIA coaches stand out.

They cut through the noise with something proven: real human connection. They turn intention into momentum and goals into reality — showing that the real science of change isn’t just in the plan, it’s in the partnership. 

Coaching Financial Opportunity 

Nearly 90% of coaches started as clients themselves. They’ve walked the same path, faced the same challenges and know what it takes firsthand to succeed. 

More importantly, they take the time to understand each client’s personal ‘why’ and meet them where they are on their journey.  

Even better? Every client has the opportunity to become a coach — and those who do are often more likely to sustain their progress. In fact, 85% of coaches who self-reported long-term weight loss said becoming a coach gave them a greater sense of accountability for staying at a healthy weight and living a healthy lifestyle.^† 

That’s the power of connection: real people helping real people create real change.  

How to Celebrate National Coaches Day

National Coaches Day is the perfect time to celebrate the coaches in our lives — the people who guide, encourage and walk alongside us on our journeys. From the field to the classroom to health and wellness, coaches shape growth in ways that last.  

And at OPTAVIA, our coaches do the same — leading clients toward lifelong transformation, one healthy habit at a time.  

 Here are a few ways to celebrate coaches today: 

• Send a note of gratitude. A simple message goes a long way. Share how your coach has supported you, encouraged you or helped you build habits you didn’t think were possible. 

• Celebrate on social. Post your story and tag your coach to let others know the impact they’ve made in your life.  

• Pay it forward. The greatest compliment you can give a coach is sharing your journey with others. Recommend a friend or family member who’s ready for change — you never know how far that ripple will reach. 

• Reflect on your wins. Take a moment to acknowledge the progress you’ve made with your coach by your side. Transformation is a team effort and today is about celebrating that partnership.

7 National Coaches Day Quotes to Inspire You

1. "A coaching culture is one where everyone is committed to each other’s success." - Brian Underhill 

2. "A coach is someone that sees beyond your limits and guides you to greatness." - Michael Jordan 

3. "A mentor or coach is often a good source of tough love. This type of person will often keep pushing you to perform at your best, even when you think you can’t get any better." - Ace McCloud 

4. "Coaching culture creates an environment where everyone is committed to continuous learning and improvement." - Jack Welch 

5. "Coaching is an art, and it’s far easier said than done. It takes courage to ask a question rather than offer up advice, provide an answer, or unleash a solution." - Brene Brown 

6. "All coaching is, is taking someone where they can’t take themself." - Bill McCartney 

7. “With the right kind of coaching and determination you can accomplish anything.” – Reese Witherspoon 

*Arterburn LM, Coleman CD, Kiel J, Kelley K, Mantilla L, Frye N, Sanoshy K, Cook CM. Randomized controlled trial assessing two commercial weight loss programs in adults with overweight or obesity. Obes Sci Pract. 2018 Dec 21;5(1):3-14. doi: 10.1002/osp4.312. 

**2019 clinical study where participants who had the support of a coach lost up to 10x more weight than the self-directed group. Based on the results of a 16-week clinical study, those who participated in at least 75% of their 23 assigned OPTAVIA coaching calls lost 15.2 lbs. compared to 6.7 pounds for those participating in fewer calls. 

†Coleman C, Kiel J, LaCalamita C, Frye N, Provelengios L. Healthy Habits Associated with Successful Weight Loss Maintenance on a Commercial Program: Learnings from a Research Survey. Food and Nutrition Sciences, 2022, 13, 453-462; DOI: 10.4236/fns.2022.135033