Coaching clients to lasting weight loss
A Profile by Sanford coach works with a client providing motivation and support so she can reach and maintain her weight loss goals. (Courtesy photo)
When you’re done with diets, choose Profile.
That’s what Sarah Brett tells potential clients. Brett is the general manager of Profile by Sanford, which combines nutrition, activity and lifestyle coaching to help members lose weight. The Coeur d’Alene location opened in October 2018.
“When you lose the weight, we help you adapt to maintain that for years to come,” said Brett, a registered dietitian with a background in genetics. She’s been in the nutrition field for more than 20 years.
“This isn’t just weight loss. We’re keeping it off,” she said.
The Profile plan was developed by physicians and researchers from Sanford Health, the nation’s largest rural nonprofit health care system. Profile uses science-based practices to help members lose weight, and Profile coaches have at least a four-year degree. Many have master’s degrees.
Brett said one of the most valuable tools that Profile offers is individual support.
“Most people don’t have a friend when they go through this process,” she said. “They don’t have someone they can trust.”
Profile coaches conduct motivational interviews to understand their client’s goals: a certain number on the scale, fitting into different clothes, improved health or fitness. Then they work with the client to identify and work through obstacles.
“We deal with every kind of topic imaginable, where they’ve got mountains to climb and things that are difficult for them in their journey,” Brett said. “We help them each week with their challenges and with their successes, and we celebrate all those things with them.”
There are no group coaching sessions or classes. Each client’s journey is private, with one-on-one coaching, which Brett said makes Profile ideal for clients who are shy or self-conscious.
During the month of January, a one-year Profile by Sanford membership costs $129. The membership includes unlimited coaching, a detailed, personalized diet plan, a digital scale and a 20 percent discount on all Profile foods.
“Most programs don’t have that,” Brett said.
After struggling to lose weight in the past, Brett said, many Profile members are surprised by what they’ve achieved. Individual support helps clients find success with Profile when other plans haven’t worked.
“The coaching is personalized,” she said. “We get to know the clients very well and we help them achieve all those goals.”
Profile by Sanford is located at 2824 N. Ramsey Road, Suite 103.