(BPT) - The holidays are known for putting a wrench in health and wellness goals. From cocktail toasts to indulgent meals and desserts at holiday festivities, it can be challenging to stay on track with your health. The modern world is full of mixed messages and cultural pressures that make it nearly impossible to know what's real and what's a gimmick. In this age of isolation, so many feel overwhelmed, exhausted and stuck, searching for something they can finally trust.

But there is a way forward. Critical care physician and New York Times bestselling author, Dr. Wayne Scott Andersen left clinical practice to co-found the science-backed, coach-guided lifestyle system, OPTAVIA^®, when he discovered that real transformation doesn't happen in isolation. "Dr. A," as he's known, knew that people don't just need more information on health - they need a simple, comprehensive program based in science, and reinforced with guidance, accountability and support.

According to new data released by OPTAVIA, nearly all Americans (94%) have some concern about at least one aspect of metabolic health, yet less than half (43%) had heard the term [1]. Dr. A has spent decades addressing this crisis of poor metabolic health, which today we know affects 9 out of 10 American adults [2], disrupting how the body uses energy from food, leading to low energy, reduced vitality, difficulty focusing and greater susceptibility to poor health.

His biggest revelation as he leads people to better metabolic health? A caring, experienced coach is the catalyst to support lasting change. That's why coaches are at the heart of OPTAVIA's lifestyle system.

OPTAVIA's comprehensive metabolic health system provides a targeted reset of the body's metabolism that begins with healthy, quality weight loss. It teaches clients how to build healthy habits that help address the key drivers of metabolic dysfunction and support long-term health and wellbeing. In fact, 85% of Americans believe it's possible to reverse metabolic dysfunction[1] and they need the tools to set them up for success.

Dr. A shares four science-backed reasons why a coach may be the missing link in your metabolic health journey.

1. Accountability drives action

Accountability provides consistency and encourages follow-through, both vital components for breaking the "start-stop" cycle common in health journeys. Research shows that goal achievement rates soar with accountability partners that offer support in weight loss programs.[3]

"Regular check-ins bridge that gap between intention and action," said Dr. A. "There's so much noise and so many distractions. It's difficult to even focus, let alone thrive. True health doesn't come from outsourcing responsibility. Knowing someone will check on your progress will keep you focused, consistent and empower you to create optimal metabolic health over time."

2. Behavior change science works better with guidance

The behaviors of people in your immediate circle can also affect you, whether you realize it or not, shaping everyday actions.[4] For example, if your friends regularly get together for social occasions where less nutritious food is a primary focus of the event, like sharing fatty and sugary snacks on game days, it's natural that you'd want to participate, which can wreak havoc on your health and wellness goals.

Having a coach and a community of like-minded people at your side can influence your behaviors for the better, and they can help tailor strategies to your unique triggers and motivators. A holistic system is essential to building health. Surrounding yourself with science-based nutrition plans, tools for healthy habits and strong support and mentorship drives greater results than going it alone [5]. Nutrition and lifestyle behaviors directly shape metabolic health, and developing positive habits is key to that equation.

"Learning about the science of healthy habits isn't enough," said Dr. A. "You need someone to help you apply it in real life and support you through the ups and downs of real life to help you improve your health."

3. Emotional support improves resilience

All health journeys have ups and downs, but emotional support from a coach can help keep people motivated. Studies on social connection show how support buffers stress, improves persistence and leads to greater weight loss compared to going it alone.[6]

"Kind words from someone you trust have a meaningful impact on your motivation to keep going, particularly when the advice comes from someone who's had similar experiences," added Dr. A. "Coaches are central to empowering people to take back their health and wellbeing."

4. Celebrating wins boosts motivation

Recognition of progress, even small wins, makes people more likely to stick with healthy behaviors. Research shows that positive reinforcement strengthens habit loops and motivation.[7]

"Whether you hit a new milestone or made a healthy choice at dinner, your coach can reinforce positive behaviors and motivate you to keep going," said Dr. A. "These celebrations fuel your confidence and momentum."

Coaches bring strategy, accountability and human connection that make all the difference in a health journey. Research shows that clients on OPTAVIA's Targeted Reset Plan who work with an OPTAVIA coach lose 10 times more weight and 17 times more fat than those who tried to go it alone.[5]

Dr. A developed the Habits of Health^® Transformational System that helps OPTAVIA clients create healthy habits through small, daily changes called micro-habits, in areas like weight management, nutrition, hydration, movement, sleep, mindfulness and surroundings. This system, combined with OPTAVIA's one-on-one coaching and proven, science-backed nutrition, helps people find success in reaching their wellness goals.

"This evidence-based approach is practical and proven," said Dr. A. "We've impacted more than three million lives, helping people on their journey toward optimal metabolic health."

Learn more about how you can achieve your health goals at Optavia.com/results.

[1] OPTAVIA commissioned an online survey with KRC Research among n=1,004 U.S. adults ages 18-75. The survey was fielded between September 23rd and September 29th, 2025.

[2] O'Hearn M et al. Trends and Disparities in Cardiometabolic Health Among U.S. Adults, 1999-2018. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2022; 80(2):138-151. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2022.04.046

[3] Silveri OC, Gallardo NA, Chandy RJ, Edwards-Hampton SA, Feldman S. Accountability Frameworks in Medical Weight Loss Programs: A Comprehensive Literature Review. Cureus. 2024 Nov 11;16(11):e73474. doi: 10.7759/cureus.73474. PMID: 39669854; PMCID: PMC11634553. Accessed 8/29/2025. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11634553/

[4] National Institutes of Health, News in Health. The Power of Peers: Who Influences Your Health? Accessed 8/29/2025. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2021/09/power-peers

[5] In a clinical study, the group on the Optimal Weight 5 & 1 Plan^® lost 10x more weight than the self-directed group. Average weight loss on the Optimal Weight 5 & 1 Plan is 12 pounds. Clients are in weight loss, on average, for 12 weeks. 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.

[6] Chen Y, Li Z, Yang Q, Yang S, Dou C, Zhang T, Guan B. The Effect of Peer Support on Individuals with Overweight and Obesity: A Meta-Analysis. Iran J Public Health. 2021 Dec;50(12):2439-2450. doi: 10.18502/ijph.v50i12.7926. PMID: 36317042; PMCID: PMC9577155.

[7] Bromberg-Martin ES, Matsumoto M, Hikosaka O. Dopamine in motivational control: rewarding, aversive, and alerting. Neuron. 2010 Dec 9;68(5):815-34. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2010.11.022. PMID: 21144997; PMCID: PMC3032992. Accessed 8/18/2025. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3032992/