A WORCESTER weight loss coach is backing a nationwide initiative after turning his own personal health journey into a company focused on helping people escape unhealthy relationships with food and fitness.
Coached By Keevil, founded by Nathan Keevil, is supporting UK Small Business Week which has been launched by entrepreneur Nigel Botterill and backed by Entrepreneurs Circle to recognise the contribution small businesses make to communities and the wider economy.
Mr Keevil launched the online coaching business after losing more than 100lbs himself and realising many people struggling with their weight did not need another extreme diet but better support and guidance built around real life.
Worcester’s Nathan Keevil, the Coached By Keevil founder. (Image: Coached By Keevil)
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Coached By Keevil helps clients with nutrition, exercise, accountability, mindset, emotional eating and habit-building with a focus on sustainable long-term change rather than short-term results.
Mr Keevil said the business was shaped not only by his own experiences with weight and body image but also by supporting his wife through mental health challenges.
“I know what it feels like to struggle with food guilt, poor body image and feeling completely out of control,” he said.
“But supporting my wife through her mental health battles also taught me something important — health is never just about food and exercise.”
Mr Keevil said many people are carrying stress, pressure, shame and emotional struggles which directly affect how they eat, sleep and look after themselves.
“People are often trying to improve their health while carrying huge amounts of emotional weight behind the scenes,” he said.
“So many people are trapped in this constant cycle of guilt, restriction and starting again every Monday.
“Real change happens when health fits around real life, not the other way around.”
The Worcester business now supports busy adults across the UK who feel trapped in repeated cycles of extreme dieting, guilt and failed routines.
Alongside client coaching Mr Keevil also runs events, fundraising activities and community initiatives focused on mental health, confidence and wellbeing.
He believes smaller businesses often create stronger impact because of the personal connection founders have with the people they help.
“When you’ve lived through something yourself you coach differently,” Mr Keevil said.
“This business was built from real experience, not theory.”
Mr Botterill, founder of Entrepreneurs Circle, said: “Behind every small business is a person taking risks, solving problems and working incredibly hard to build something meaningful.
“UK Small Business Week is about recognising those people and celebrating the role independent businesses play in every community across the country.”
The week runs until Sunday and sees businesses across the country taking part in local events, social media activity and community campaigns celebrating independent firms and entrepreneurship.