Truly Integrated Healthy Lifestyle Services are becoming essential as systems look for better ways to improve population health. This article explores how a four-year longitudinal study demonstrates the powerful impact of a single-coach, multi-pathway model, offering clear evidence for commissioners, public health leaders and integrated care systems. The findings come directly from the white paper Making Better Happen: Lessons from a Longitudinal Analysis of Integrated Healthy Lifestyles Services.

Understanding the Case for Truly Integrated Healthy Lifestyle Services

The white paper shows why truly integrated healthy lifestyle services drive meaningful change. Across two large services, more than 8,000 adults received one-to-one coaching support across four key lifestyle pathways: weight management, physical activity, smoking cessation and alcohol reduction.

Critically, the data shows that integrated services achieve higher success across multiple pathways at once. For instance, clients referred for weight management also increased their physical activity at rates of 62–76 percent, depending on location . Moreover, many achieved additional outcomes they had not originally sought. This holistic shift is a key strength of an integrated model.

How Truly Integrated Healthy Lifestyle Services Improve Wellbeing

Truly Integrated Healthy Lifestyle Services go beyond physical outcomes. They improve confidence, capability and emotional wellbeing. The study found that up to 77 percent of clients increased their self-efficacy, with scores rising by as much as 32 points when people completed several pathways .

Furthermore, up to 73 percent of clients increased their SWEMWBS mental wellbeing score, with the greatest gains occurring when individuals completed three or more pathways. These improvements are linked to the strong coach-client relationship that sits at the heart of truly integrated healthy lifestyle services.

The Power of One Coach in Truly Integrated Healthy Lifestyle Services

A standout finding is the impact of a single, trusted coach. Instead of navigating siloed programmes, clients build a relationship with one professional who understands their goals, barriers and aspirations.

This approach enables:

• Earlier identification of risky behaviours

• Personalised support across linked lifestyle changes

• Greater disclosure of wider social or emotional factors

• More adaptable delivery, including cultural and accessibility adjustments

The study reports that coaches identified additional lifestyle risks early and directed people to appropriate tiered support or partner services, which strengthened the preventative value of the model .

Truly Integrated Healthy Lifestyle Services Reduce Inequalities

Another important insight is that truly integrated services work across both urban and rural communities, even where deprivation is highest. In the city-wide service, more than 30 percent of clients were from the most deprived quintile, yet success rates and wellbeing improvements remained strong .

Because coaches adapt support to cultural needs, disabilities and varying levels of health literacy, these services help narrow gaps in access and outcomes. This makes them a vital tool for systems aiming to address health inequalities.

Why Multiple Lifestyle Changes Matter in an Integrated Model

The data shows that lifestyle behaviours do not exist in isolation. For example, clients who quit smoking often increased their physical activity, and many lost weight at the same time. In fact:

• 57 percent of alcohol-reduction clients in the county-wide service also quit smoking

• 70 percent of alcohol-reduction clients in the city-wide service also lost 3 percent of their weight

• Many clients achieved three or even four successful lifestyle outcomes in one journey

These links mean that siloed services miss opportunities. Truly integrated healthy lifestyle services capture them.

Truly Integrated Healthy Lifestyle Services Deliver Significant Cost Savings

Cost is a major pressure point for public health teams. The study provides clear evidence that integrated models offer better value. On average, a full 12-week integrated journey costs £300 per client, including personalised coaching plus pharmacotherapy for quitting smoking .

In comparison:

• A stop-smoking quit costs £676 in siloed services

• Weight-management services cost £100–500

• Using separate services for smoking and weight would cost at least £741, often more

Therefore, when clients engage across multiple pathways, the integrated model becomes two to three times more cost-effective.

What This Means for Commissioners and Systems

For systems preparing for the future, this research shows that truly integrated healthy lifestyle services are not just effective. They are essential. They deliver measurable outcomes that align with national priorities, reduce the burden on the NHS and improve long-term population health.

Moreover, the model supports:

• Universal yet proportionate access

• Stronger prevention

• Reduced inequalities

• Increased trust and engagement

• A more efficient use of public resources

For communities and systems under pressure, this is a compelling case for change.

The Future Belongs to Truly Integrated Healthy Lifestyle Services

The evidence is clear. Truly integrated services help people improve their health, strengthen their wellbeing and build lasting confidence. They offer better outcomes, better value and a more human experience. As the white paper demonstrates, this approach supports individuals, families and communities to become well, confident and resilient, while reducing pressure on local systems and the NHS.

For public health leaders looking to create real change, the shift to truly integrated services is not only possible. It is necessary.

Check out the proof, welcome to our truly integrated healthy lifestyle service: HLS Coventry