Losing Weight: Discovery Call Questions

 

1. Goals and Motivation ("The Why")

• "What are your primary goals for seeking nutrition coaching at this time?"

• This is the initial, open-ended question that allows them to tell you what's on their mind.

• "Why is losing weight important to you right now?"

• This helps you get beyond a surface-level answer ("to be healthier") and uncover their deeper motivations. Is it about having more energy to play with their kids? Improving a medical condition? Gaining confidence?

• "What does success look like for you in terms of your health and weight?"

• This helps you understand their vision and can reveal if their expectations are realistic. For example, if they want to lose 50 pounds in one month, you can use this as a chance to educate them on a healthy, sustainable timeline.

• "What will be different in your life when you achieve your goals?"

• This question helps them connect with the emotional benefits of reaching their goals.

2. Health and Lifestyle History

• "Can you tell me a little bit about your health journey up until this point?"

• This provides context about their past experiences, including what has worked and what hasn't.

• "What have you tried in the past to lose weight, and how did it go?"

• This is a critical question. It helps you understand their past successes, failures, and beliefs about dieting. It can also be a "lightbulb moment" for them when they realize that a past diet may have failed them, rather than the other way around.

• "What is your daily routine like, including work, family, and social life?"

• This helps you understand potential barriers and opportunities. It provides insight into their schedule, stress levels, and support system.

• "How would you describe your current eating habits and relationship with food?"

• This goes beyond just what they eat to explore their mindset around food.

• "What's your current physical activity level?"

• This helps you understand their exercise habits and potential for incorporating more movement.

3. Barriers and Mindset

• "What do you think has been holding you back from achieving your goals in the past?"

• This question encourages self-reflection and helps you identify potential roadblocks, such as time constraints, lack of knowledge, emotional eating, or a lack of support.

• "On a scale of 1 to 10, how committed are you to making these changes?"

• This is a great way to gauge their readiness for change. A lower number indicates that you may need to spend more time addressing their reservations and building their motivation.

• "How do you handle stress?"

• Stress is a huge factor in health and weight management. Understanding their coping mechanisms can help you identify areas for intervention.

• "What kind of support system do you have?"

• This helps you understand who will be a positive influence and who might present challenges.

4. Logistics and Expectations

• "What are your expectations for me as your coach?"

• This ensures you're on the same page and can address any misconceptions about what a coach can and can't do.

• "Is there anything else you want me to know about you, your health, or your lifestyle?"

• This open-ended question gives them a final opportunity to share anything you may not have covered.

• "Do you have any questions for me?"

• This shows that the call is a two-way street and allows them to determine if you are the right fit for them.