Evaluation of the LLUH Intensive Therapeutic Lifestyle Change Program: Integrative Health Coaching Impact Study

This pilot study investigated the impact of Integrative Health Coaching (IHC) frequency on biometrics, dietary intake, and physical activity changes among participants of the Loma Linda University Health (LLUH) Intensive Therapeutic Lifestyle Change (ITLC) program. This retrospective cohort design analyzed the effects of IHC frequency on pre-post participant behaviors and health outcomes among forty-four participants (aged 35-78). Participants engaged in the 8-week ITLC program and received individual and group health coaching sessions. Assessments included an InBody scan, various laboratory panels, and the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) lifestyle forms. Weak positive correlations were observed between IHC frequency and pre-post physical activity, and fruit and vegetable intake, but were not statistically significant. Clinically significant changes were noted in physical activity levels among participants with hyperlipidemia and diabetes/prediabetes. High physical activity was associated with a reduction in high-density lipoproteins (HDL-C) levels and showed slight decreases in body mass index (BMI), HbA1c, and low-density lipoproteins (LDL-C). The change in HbA1c was positively associated with a similar change in BMI (rho = .42, P < .01). Clinically significant changes were observed in BMI, total cholesterol, and LDL due to lifestyle changes which included modifying physical activity and nutrition.