A health and wellness coach works on health-related behaviour specifically: physical activity, sleep, eating patterns, alcohol use, general stress levels, and managing a long-term health condition alongside the ordinary demands of daily life.
Focused on what someone will actually sustain
The work is behavioural rather than medical in focus, concentrating on what someone will genuinely sustain in practice rather than simply reminding them of things they likely already know they should be doing. This distinction matters, since most people struggling with health behaviour change are not lacking information so much as a workable, realistic plan they can actually stick to.
Not a substitute for clinical or medical advice
Some health and wellness coaches hold clinical qualifications and many do not, and the title itself is unregulated in the UK, which makes it worth asking directly about a particular coach's background. What all reputable coaches in this field have in common is that they do not diagnose, do not treat, and do not replace advice from a GP, dietitian or specialist team where that is what is actually needed.