Here is a sample illustration of how the different service providers would work with a client who asks for help with weight loss. Note that no one approach is better than any other approach. Rather, it is imperative that the client decide which is the appropriate approach and work with the appropriate service provider.

Coaches will ask questions about: what the client's weight loss target is, how the client has arrived at that target, what the client's current diet and exercise habits are, what the client envisions as the goals for diet and exercise, and what the client feels is the main obstacle to achieving those goals. The coach doesn't necessarily have any direct experience or expertise in weight management and may advise the client to consult with someone who does to develop a specific program. The coach will work with the client to create the future that s/he desires and help her/him to move forward in implementing the program s/he (the client) has chosen to follow.

Therapists will talk to the client about what issues s/he has with the relationship to food. The therapist will work with the client to look at past issues, traumas, and wounds that could have instigated this issue. Additionally, the therapist will explore self-esteem issues and potential triggers for low self-esteem. The therapist will work with the client to heal those past wounds so that the client can begin to live a healthy life. The therapist will not likely get involved at all with the client's weight management program. Any continued interaction with the client will be about the client's mental health.

A consultant will be brought in or will approach a client with a diet and exercise plan (or plans) that s/he has developed (or will develop) and will teach the client how to implement a particular plan; the consultant won't necessarily have used the plan her/himself. This consultant will be an expert on the area of diet, nutrition, and/or weight loss. For instance, the consultant may be a dietician who will analyze the client's current diet and point out areas that are not properly designed and then provide a properly designed alternative. The consultant may or may not continue to work with the client once s/he has purchased the plan. The consultant may or may not deal with the areas of motivation and goal-setting.

A mentor will work with the mentee to describe the weight management program that s/he (the mentor) has followed; the mentor won't necessarily have developed the plan her/himself. Then the mentor will continue to work with the mentee as s/he (the mentee) implements that program and provide support and encouragement based on his/her (the mentor's) personal experience dealing with those same issues. The mentor is not necessarily an expert in weight management in general. Rather, s/he is providing guidance specifically on the approach s/he (the mentor) had used.

Keep in mind that it is possible that a client may first need to work with a therapist and then may choose to hire a coach who will help in the implementation of a plan that is purchased from a consultant, or who will work in coordination with a consultant.